Shirley Darlene Hanks Wood

1934 - 2024

Shirley Darlene Hanks Wood September 1, 1934 - November 6, 2024 Shirley Darlene Hanks Wood, beloved wife, matriarch, and friend to many, fell asleep in the Lord, peacefully, in her home in Fruita, Colorado, on November 6, 2024. Shirley was born to Leland Arthur Hanks and Melinda Alline Doyle Hanks on September 1, 1934, in Enid, Oklahoma. She grew up as their only child, but at the age of four, she met her lifelong friend, Lavon Wilkerson Magnus. Her family moved to Pampa, Texas, for two years during World War II, and then returned to Enid, where she graduated from high school in 1952. In the fall of that year, Shirley attended Southwest Bible College in Waxahachie, Texas. In early 1953, Shirley met her future husband, Clarence Edgar "Ed" Wood, while he was in flight training at Vance Air Force Base in Enid. The couple married on August 5, 1953, just a few days before 2nd Lieutenant Wood departed for his duty assignment in Korea. Upon Ed's return from Korea in July 1954, he and Shirley were reunited and stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah. In 1955, Shirley gave birth to their oldest son. When Ed's Air Force service commitment ended in 1956, the family transitioned to civilian life and a new job, moving to Ogallala, Nebraska, where two daughters and a son were born. The family spent twelve years in Nebraska before moving to Lubbock, Texas, for three years, and then permanently settling in Grand Junction in 1971.

While supporting Ed's Air Force and business careers, and raising a young family in new places, Shirley quickly made new friends and sought out mentors in all of their church communities. During their time in Nebraska, Shirley learned and refined her practical skills of cooking, canning, sewing, bargain hunting, and household management. She won county fair awards for baked goods, and made every new house a home with her eye for decor and a well-set room. Life in the Grand Valley suited the Wood family, and Ed and Shirley's four children graduated from local high schools, pursued secondary education, traveled for short-term missions, and met and married their spouses, all with her constant prayers and encouragement at each step of the way. Each of her children and grandchildren, with their varying interests and pursuits, has been buoyed through life by her cheerfulness and constant support.

In their retirement years, Shirley and Ed devoted lots of time to their twelve grandchildren, eagerly attending countless sporting events, music recitals, plays, graduations, weddings, and other events with highest enthusiasm. They were always thankful to have so many family members nearby, and grandkids and great-grandchildren enjoyed long summer afternoons swimming in their backyard pool where the door was always open and they knew there would always be candy on the counter. Shirley and Ed also fostered and maintained many decades-long friendships with other couples, individuals and families. Shirley's gracious hospitality and generosity touched many lives in the Grand Valley and beyond. She mentored many younger women, and was always quick to help anyone in need with food, encouragement, and prayer. Shirley and Ed deeply cherished their marriage of seventy-one years and their large family, all of which they gratefully accepted as gifts from God. Although her family was her greatest earthly joy, Shirley loved keeping a beautiful home, both inside and out. She graciously hosted several backyard weddings, including those of her daughter Gay Lynn and two of her grandchildren. She loved roses, phlox, and especially hydrangeas. Her home was filled with music as Shirley sang and played piano, occasionally accompanied by her granddaughters. She dabbled in poetry, knew scores of hymns, was an avid reader, and loved to talk and laugh around the table when the family gathered for popcorn on Sunday evenings.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Clarence, her four children Steve (Margaret) Wood, Judy (David) Younger, Gay Lynn (David, deceased) Horn, Thomas (Luci) Wood, her twelve grandchildren Lafe (Lauren) Wood, Amy (Steve) Lentz, Dane (Sidney) Wood, Sarah (Michael) Struwe, Luke (Leanne) Younger, Matthew (Sara) Younger, Elizabeth (Jeremiah) Greenfield, Mark (Hannah) Horn, John (Jordin) Horn, Megan (Joshua) Vorse, Blaine (Emily) Wood, Emily (Caleb) Millermon, and her thirty-five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Leland Hanks, her mother, Alline Hanks, and her son-in-law, David Horn.

A visitation will be held Friday, November 15th from 5 to 7 pm at Calahan-Edfast Mortuary. Graveside service Saturday, November 16th, 11am at Elmwood Cemetery in Fruita, CO. Memorial service Saturday, November 16th, 2:30 pm at Monument View Bible Church, Fruita, CO.