Shirley Alice Throne Stringfellow

1930 - 2014

Shirley Alice Throne Stringfellow

Shirley Alice Thorne Stringfellow, age 83, passed away May 31, 2014 in St. George, Utah. She was born August 30, 1930 in Pomona, California to Dallas Millard and Helen Thomson Thorne. She was raised in the Pomona-Claremont area plus short periods of residence in San Bernardino and Covina, California.

She attended public school in all four of the above mentioned cities plus Pomona College and the University of California at Santa Barbara. Graduating from UCSB in 1953 with a bachelor of Arts.

Shirley married Leo Paul Stringfellow in August of 1953 and moved to Davis, California.

She taught elementary school in Woodland and Davis, California, while Leo earned his DVM at UC Davis.

They moved to New Zealand in August of 1958, where Leo did large animal work for the Veterinary Service Council. They resided the first year in Shannon and the second year in Te Awamutu where son, Daniel Eric was born in 1960.

They returned to Claremont, California in August of 1960. Son, Michael Stewart was born in 1961.

They owned and operated Pomona Valley Veterinary Hospital.

In June 1972 they moved the family to Solana Beach, California, where Leo continued to practice small animal medicine.

With her husband, they built Del Mar Hills Animal Clinic in Del Mar, California and where she worked as a Clerical Receptionist for the clinic until retiring in January of 1985.

Upon Leo's retirement, they moved to southern Utah in November of 1991, and build an adobe style home in the "Kayenta" development of the city of Ivins.

Late in life she learned to play doubles tennis and continued to enjoy thew sport even as physical ability lessened.

She also learned to play a form of party bridge with a group of good friends in Kayenta. The companionship of the group was legend.

She became a P.E.O. in 1985 and was an active member for years, supporting the "Sisterhood's" non-profit and philanthropic projects. The "support group" atmosphere of P.E.O. was most welcome and greatly appreciated.

As a "room mother" and "den mother," she dabbled in assorted crafts and hobby ventures with sons and classmates.

Throughout life, she maintained an abiding interest in music, reading and various forms of art. She enjoyed singing alto/tenor in church choirs in Claremont, Solana Beach and St. George, Utah. Shirley always found pleasure in playing the piano for personal enjoyment and entertainment. She accumulated an extensive library and read for pleasure whenever possible. she essentially became a self-taught artist in several media, but with an emphasis on oil paints.

She came to love the red mountains of southern Utah and the spiritual essence of "Kayenta" and could not imagine living any place else.

Arrangements under the care of McMillan Mortuary 435-688-8880. Condolences may be shared at mcmillanmortuary.com.