Shirley Thorpe

Shirley Thorpe

April 10, 1927 – November 8, 2020

Shirley Thorpe, passed away at home on Monday, November 8th, at the age of 94 comforted by family. Although mentally active until the end, her last few years were physically challenging. Recently, after a tumble, she was in a recovery center for a month and just before she was released, she was exposed to and contracted Covid. Thankfully she recuperated enough to come home, but never got her strength back. In the last week she took a bad turn and passed away at peace.

Shirley Ann Gustafson was born in Anaconda, Montana, on April 10, 1927, to William and Anna Gustafson and grew up amid many relatives and had many wonderful memories of those years in Anaconda. She went to the University of Idaho where she met George Thorpe who had returned from WWII. They left early to get married and start life in Twin Falls amid friends in bridge club, fabulous 4th of July picnics, and her activities in PEO. Along the way they had children, Mike, a daughter Dena Annelle who died in infancy, Jon, Melissa, and later she selflessly embraced the roll of mother to Mike's daughter Felise. Shirley was a kind and caring person who would do anything for her family and supported us unconditionally. It was a tragedy that she was widowed so early.

She completed her bachelor's degree in conjunction with her ensuing career as librarian at the Twin Falls High School eventually becoming president of the Idaho Public School Librarians Association. She loved to travel and enjoyed trips around the Mediterranean Sea, Mexico, and the Caribbean, but time and health was not on our side for going to all the places we had talked about. After she retired from the high school, she volunteered at the Twin Falls County Courthouse in the law library for many years.

Shirley was passionate about books hence her chosen profession. She had a thirst for knowledge, would read until the wee hours of the morning, and would consume several books a week. As the years progressed and her eyes clouded, she favored watching informational television networks. Not to say she didn't enjoy many regular sitcoms and movies or watching favorite college and pro sports teams.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, brother Bill, sister Gretchen, husband George, son Michael, and baby Dena. She is survived by her brother Charles Gustafson, sisters-in-law Beverly Gustafson and Jean Thorpe, children Jon and Melissa, grandchildren Felise Thorpe-Moll, Jeremy Bostron, and Sean Thorpe and their spouses. Also, there are great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Humane Society or American Heart Association would be appreciated.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 19, 2021, at the First Presbyterian Church 209 5th Ave N. in Twin Falls. Condolences may be left by visiting www.whitereynoldschapel.com.