SHIRLEY ANN KROGER

Shirley Ann Kroger, age 78, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2013, at home with her husband at her side from complications from Parkinson's disease. Shirley was born to Evelyn and Charles Devlin in Newton, Massachusetts on November 20, 1934. At age 16, she moved to California. Shirley met the love of her life and best friend for 57 years, William "Bill" Kroger, while both of them worked at McDonald Douglas. On January 22, 1956, they wed in Las Vegas, NV. In the winter of 1962, they moved the family to Fresno, Ca. While raising her children, Shirley began taking classes at California State University, Fresno, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a double major in Sociology and Spanish in 1975. She was an Honor Society Phi Kappa Phi member. Shirley began working as an interviewer and became a supervisor. She then worked as an Eligibility Worker for Fresno County. In 1988, she began working for the California Department of Disability and Adult Programs as an Analyst. She loved this job and because of her work ethic and respect of her co-workers, also worked in the capacity of training assistant. Shirley and Bill realized their dream and built a house in Valerie Meadows, which Shirley delighted in decorating and entertaining, although no paper plates or cans on the table please! Shirley was the "Don" of the family, and loved by all. She loved to dance and continued to do so even when she required use of a walker. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents; her brother,Charles Devlin Jr.; and her brother-in-law, Charles Kroger. She is survived by her loving husband, Bill Kroger; daughter, Julie Saldaña and her husband Ruben; her son, Harold Kroger and his wife Angie; daughter, Kelly and son-in-law Brian Middleton; grandson William Kroger; granddaughter, Ashley Castro and her husband Cameron; sister-in-law, Patricia Kroger; niece, Diana Casey; nephew, Larry Kroger and his wife Janice; and special extended family members, Peggy and Ronnie Yost. She was also expecting great-granddaughter, Madelynn's birth in May. She leaves many wonderful friends, including co-workers who continued to make the ride up the hill to share good times with her and Bill. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to their friend Lorraine Bolen, neighbors and friends Jack and Judy, and many others in Valerie Meadows who have been so supportive. They wish to thank the staff at Function and Action Physical Therapy for their encouragement. Viewing will be on Monday, March 18, 2013, from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Clovis Funeral Chapel, 1302 Clovis Ave. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will follow at 6:30. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 929 Harvard Ave. in Clovis, on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Clovis Cemetery, 305 N Villa Ave. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.