Shirley Nadine Hauenstein

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Shirley Nadine Hauenstein, who peacefully left us on the morning of February 20, 2025, in Mount Vernon, Washington, at the age of 89. Born on April 11, 1935, in Mount Vernon, Shirley was the cherished daughter of Lee "Bud" and Ruth (Hanson) Ambers. Shirley was a devoted Christ follower from a young age, having accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at a Salvation Army church. She spent her formative years on the Ambers' family small farm along Highway 99 (Burlington Blvd) in Burlington, where her father built a new house behind the old one. She had fond memories of growing up there with her older brother and parents. Shirley returned to this beloved home to spend her final years. A proud graduate of Burlington-Edison schools, Shirley maintained lifelong connections with a group of alumni, attending reunion activities regularly. She earned a degree in Home Economics from Western Washington University and went on to teach school in Anacortes and other locations. Shirley lived and raised her family of five in Everett, Washington, for many years. Her love for sewing and knitting, including machine knitting, brought joy and warmth to many, as her family received the handmade clothing and sweaters she created. Her passion for home economics and farm life translated into a home filled with canned goods from their garden, and a delightful tradition of picking and preserving fresh fruit, especially her favorites, peaches from Yakima and Skagit Valley strawberries. In her later years, Shirley became a licensed real estate agent, working with three different agencies before retiring. Her commitment to her faith was unwavering, actively participating in church activities and serving as a member of First Baptist Church in Everett for many years then, Calvey Chapel Skagit Valley and Cowboy Church in Bow. Shirley's home was the heart of family gatherings, hosting celebrations from birthdays and Easter to Thanksgiving and Christmas. She was an avid sports fan, enjoying Seahawks and Huskies' football games, Mariners baseball, and especially cherished the moments when she watched her cousin, Danny Patterson, play for the Texas Rangers. Her love of sports extended to attending various games her grandchildren played. An adventurous spirit, Shirley loved traveling to visit family along the West Coast, taking a family Hawaiian cruise, and even journeying to England to visit a former neighbor. One year in her retirement, she decided to snowmobile with her Idaho cousins in eastern Oregon. That resulted in driving into a tree and time in the hospital. She dedicated many years to supporting Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times in Southern California, never shying away from sharing her age with pride. One year she saved the dining hall from a fire. Shirley's kind heart and generous nature were evident in the homemade cookies, brownies, and apple crisp she often brought to family visits, always aiming to bring smiles to the faces of her loved ones. Shirley's legacy of love, kindness, and service will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. She is survived by her five children: Ken and Elva Hauenstein, Lewis and Julie Hauenstein, Carl Hauenstein, Cheryl Anderson, and Lynn Loera; her cousin, Marian Rawls, who she lovingly treated as a daughter; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous other family members and friends. Shirley's life was a testament to her faith, strength, and the boundless love she shared with those around her. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Shirley, please visit our Tree Store.