Shirley Whitten Kaub

Born in Waukegan, Illinois, Shirley was the daughter of Hamilton B. and Julia R. Whitten. After her father’s passing when she was just two years old, she was raised by her mother in Lake Forest, Illinois. She attended Northwestern University, where she met her future husband and love of her life, George Kaub, on a blind date. On July 8, 1961, they were married at First Presbyterian Church in Lake Forest.

Soon after their marriage, Shirley and George followed George’s parents and brother to Southern California. They spent 25 years in Culver City, where they raised their daughter, Susan, and son, Dennis. Shirley was deeply involved in her children’s lives with volunteering, driving them to countless activities, and serving as a Troop 337 Girl Scout leader, PTA member, and supporter of the Didi Hirsch Mental Health Clinic, where she held several leadership positions. She also found time to enjoy bowling and tennis.

In 1985, Shirley and George moved to Thousand Oaks. Shirley grew in her faith through Bible study, and together they became active members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. After George’s early retirement, travel became their shared passion. Over the years, they enjoyed more than 50 cruises. In 1991, their daughter Susan and her husband John also moved to Thousand Oaks, raising their three children nearby, much to Shirley’s joy. She embraced her role as grandmother, earning the affectionate nickname “the spoiler.”

Shirley will be remembered for her gentle spirit and the joy she brought to those around her. Her smile and laugh was infectious, and she carried herself with grace, kindness, and warmth. She loved nothing more than spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who adored her and will fondly remember her delicious pancakes and homemade desserts. A woman of deep faith, Shirley drew strength and purpose from her relationship with God and lived out her beliefs through kindness and service to others. She was also a remarkable friend, nurturing lifelong connections and building new ones with people she met through her many travels and cruises. To know her was truly to love her, and she leaves behind a legacy of faith, generosity, and devotion to family and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved son, Dennis. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, George; her daughter Susan (John) Parris; and three cherished grandchildren, Shelby Parris, Lauren (William) Menke, and Jake Parris.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 27 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Agoura Hills, California