Shirley Ann Nolan

Shirley Ann Nolan, 85, passed away Thursday evening, May 16, 2013, in Grand Coulee, Washington just one day prior to her 86th birthday. Shirley was born May 17, 1927, in Seattle, Washington, the only child of Allen and Leah Spratlin. Following graduation from high school, 17-year-young Shirley Spratlin married handsome US Navy, Electrician’s Mate, Elmer “Al” Nolan in Grand Coulee Methodist Church on July 3, 1944. A well-known and loved waitress at Grand Coulee’s “Green Hut Restaurant”, Shirley was always proud of her 25+ years serving “her customers”. Before health concerns prevented it, Shirley was an avid fisherwoman who loved nothing more than bundling up during the winter months and trekking to the Banks Lake feeder canal with her friend ‘Pearl’ and going fishing…that is as long as she didn’t have to actually touch the fish! Someone else would always get the honor of removing and cleaning Shirley’s trophies. Always spunky and some may say “sassy” lady, Shirley loved an occasional foray with a casino’s slot machines and also playing bingo, but all who knew Shirley were well aware that she LOVED throwing dice, which she would do at every opportunity.

Predeceased in 2006 by both her beloved husband of 62 years Al Nolan and their son Robert Nolan; Shirley’s legacy lives on through their daughter Judy McGuire (Richard); grandchildren: Tera McGuire (Jonah), Kasey Nolan and Charay Bourne (Brad); and great-grandchildren: Hunter & Tanner Whitelaw, Kenzie & Kylie Bourne, Caleb Ruble and Cheyenne Baxter.

Her family would like to express their sincerest appreciation to all the wonderful staff in Coulee Medical Center’s long term care unit for their loving care of Shirley during these last six years, “You truly became her honorary family.”

Graveside services for Shirley were held Tuesday, May 21, at 11 a.m., at Grand Coulee’s Spring Canyon Cemetery where she is once again beside her Al.

Her family requests that in lieu of gifts, contributions be made in Shirley’s memory to Coulee Medical Center’s Long Term Care Unit, 411 Fortuyn Rd., Grand Coulee, WA 99133.

On online register book for Shirley Nolan is available at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington is honored to be assisting Shirley’s family.