Helen Louise Shires

Louise Shires, long time resident of Porterville, California was born in a farmhouse near Peru, Nebraska on October 19, 1919. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on June 1, 2011 in Santa Barbara, California, her home for the last two years. Louise grew up on the Nebraska farm of parents Homer and Clara Matthews, and graduated from high school at 16 years old. She later graduated from University of Nebraska majoring in Home Economics. She taught high school homemaking before meeting her husband-to-be, Orlin Hudson Shires, another educator. They were married 64 years and spent 59 years in Porterville and were the parents of six children.  The family lived in a historic Victorian farmhouse that Louise restored which became the family gathering place for many happy celebrations. They also grew oranges and pomegranates. She taught elementary school 20 years, primarily at Vandalia and introduced innovative curriculum – even going abroad to study in England. She continued to farm in Nebraska raising cattle, soybeans and corn and was recognized with a Nebraska Pioneer Farm Award.  She and Orlin, who served as President of Porterville Community College for 23 years, were active members of the Methodist Church in Porterville for many years before attending the Evangelical Free Church. Louise had many friends in Porterville and was involved in Alta Mira Chapter of DAR, serving in several official positions including Regent, and conducted significant genealogy research.She was a member of Inter Se literary society- and she loved to read and especially engage in active discussions on politics. Two years after the passing of her beloved husband in 2007 she moved to Samarkand in Santa Barbara to be near the majority of her family. She is survived and much loved by her daughters and sons and their families: Pamela and Tom Sneddon of Santa Barbara, Priscilla and Ryan Cox of Elk Grove, Patrick and Anne Shires of San Andreas, Paul and Julie Shires of Arroyo Grande and Preston and Sylvie Shires of Peru, Nebraska. In addition she had twenty grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren who she loved dearly. Her family will always remember her steadfast faith, her lively spirit and her unconditional love for her family. She made everyone feel special. She is preceded in death by her infant daughter Vicki and her sister Mary Solie.

Funeral services will be held in Auburn, Nebraska with interment at Nemaha Cemetery on June 13th with arrangements by Hemmingsen's Funeral Home.  A Memorial Service will be held July 27 in Santa Barbara at Montecito Covenant Church. Memorial donations in her name may be made to the Porterville College Foundation Dr. Orlin and Mrs. Louise Shires Scholarship Fund (100 East College Avenue, Porterville, CA 93257) and to Alta Mira Society of DAR: Louise Shires Scholarship and Historical Fund ( D. Mahnke PO Box 149 Porterville CA 93257).