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Shirley Guthrie Obituary
Celebrating the Shining Light of Shirley M. Guthrie
"Shirley," "Shirls" and "Momma Bear"
September 27, 1936 ~ February 22, 2026
Shirley Maxine Guthrie (formerly Newhart, née Burk), 89, of Napa, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026. A woman of unshakable faith, a "never-give-up" attitude, smile and a laugh that could light up any room, Shirley lived by two spirited mottos: "If it is to be, it is up to me," and her signature reminder that "There are no rehearsals in life, so go out and do your best."
Known fondly over the years as "Shirley" and "Shirls," she earned a new, endearing title in her later years: "Momma Bear." Given to her by her daughter, Shari, following her Alzheimer's diagnosis, the nickname became a symbol of love and a way to honor Shirley's enduring strength as her journey changed.
A Life of Harmony and Service
Born on September 27, 1936, in Pearsall, Texas, Shirley was raised in Sinton, TX. The youngest of six children, she inherited her mother Bertha Lee's precision, becoming a talented seamstress and pianist before attending Madison College in Madison, Tennessee to study Laboratory Technology. Her professional career was marked by excellence, leading her to 17 years of public service as a Supervising Clinical Laboratory Technologist with the Department of Mental Health at Napa State Hospital, where she retired on December 31, 2000.
Shirley's truest labor of love was her Music Ministry. A gifted musician, she didn't just play the organ and piano; she was the architect of harmony for her Seventh-day Adventist community, organizing orchestral music and ensuring that worship was always filled with beauty. For Shirley, music was her testimony.
Love on the Slopes
A passionate snow skier, Shirley's life changed forever on the slopes of Northstar, California. It was there, at a Seventh-day Adventist singles retreat, that she met her soulmate and the love of her life, Richard Guthrie, M.D. They married on December 16, 2000, and spent their golden years together exploring the world. Whether they were on genealogy or mission trips, road-tripping to visit family, or traveling to far-off lands, Shirley lived every day as an adventure. Together, they faithfully served the Ukiah and Napa communities, often ending their days with piano and organ duets in perfect sync.
A Lasting Legacy
Shirley was a fierce advocate and a constant support for her family and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard. Her vibrant spirit and "Momma Bear" resilience are carried on by her son, Kevin Newhart; her daughter, Shari Newhart; and her faithful grand-dog, Chloe.
She is also survived by her three stepsons, George Guthrie, Tim Guthrie, and Todd Guthrie; seven step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and her step-sister-in-law, Romilda Davis.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the unwavering love and care provided by Titi Nabunitukuni, Shirley's devoted caregiver, and Kathryn Calaway, her compassionate Providence at Home with Compassus hospice nurse. Their kindness made Shirley's final journey one of dignity and peace.
Services & Remembrances
A Celebration of Life and Music will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Napa Community Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1105 G Street, Napa, CA 94559.
Shirley will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Richard, at the Russian River Cemetery District, 940 Low Gap Rd, Ukiah, CA 95482.
"There are no rehearsals in life, so go out and do your best." - Shirley's guiding light.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the following organizations in honor of Shirley's lifelong commitment to music and helping others:
Napa Christian
2201 Pine St. Napa, CA 94559
https://napachristian.com/our-community/support-our-school/
Providence Community Health Foundation Napa Valley
414 S. Jefferson Street, Napa, CA 94559
https://give.providence.org/napavalley Shirley M. Guthrie
"Shirley," "Shirls" and "Momma Bear"
September 27, 1936 ~ February 22, 2026
Shirley Maxine Guthrie (formerly Newhart, née Burk), 89, of Napa, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026. A woman of unshakable faith, a "never-give-up" attitude, smile and a laugh that could light up any room, Shirley lived by two spirited mottos: "If it is to be, it is up to me," and her signature reminder that "There are no rehearsals in life, so go out and do your best."
Known fondly over the years as "Shirley" and "Shirls," she earned a new, endearing title in her later years: "Momma Bear." Given to her by her daughter, Shari, following her Alzheimer's diagnosis, the nickname became a symbol of love and a way to honor Shirley's enduring strength as her journey changed.
A Life of Harmony and Service
Born on September 27, 1936, in Pearsall, Texas, Shirley was raised in Sinton, TX. The youngest of six children, she inherited her mother Bertha Lee's precision, becoming a talented seamstress and pianist before attending Madison College in Madison, Tennessee to study Laboratory Technology. Her professional career was marked by excellence, leading her to 17 years of public service as a Supervising Clinical Laboratory Technologist with the Department of Mental Health at Napa State Hospital, where she retired on December 31, 2000.
Shirley's truest labor of love was her Music Ministry. A gifted musician, she didn't just play the organ and piano; she was the architect of harmony for her Seventh-day Adventist community, organizing orchestral music and ensuring that worship was always filled with beauty. For Shirley, music was her testimony.
Love on the Slopes
A passionate snow skier, Shirley's life changed forever on the slopes of Northstar, California. It was there, at a Seventh-day Adventist singles retreat, that she met her soulmate and the love of her life, Richard Guthrie, M.D. They married on December 16, 2000, and spent their golden years together exploring the world. Whether they were on genealogy or mission trips, road-tripping to visit family, or traveling to far-off lands, Shirley lived every day as an adventure. Together, they faithfully served the Ukiah and Napa communities, often ending their days with piano and organ duets in perfect sync.
A Lasting Legacy
Shirley was a fierce advocate and a constant support for her family and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard. Her vibrant spirit and "Momma Bear" resilience are carried on by her son, Kevin Newhart; her daughter, Shari Newhart; and her faithful grand-dog, Chloe.
She is also survived by her three stepsons, George Guthrie, Tim Guthrie, and Todd Guthrie; seven step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and her step-sister-in-law, Romilda Davis.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the unwavering love and care provided by Titi Nabunitukuni, Shirley's devoted caregiver, and Kathryn Calaway, her compassionate Providence at Home with Compassus hospice nurse. Their kindness made Shirley's final journey one of dignity and peace.
Services & Remembrances
A Celebration of Life and Music will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Napa Community Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1105 G Street, Napa, CA 94559.
Shirley will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Richard, at the Russian River Cemetery District, 940 Low Gap Rd, Ukiah, CA 95482.
"There are no rehearsals in life, so go out and do your best." - Shirley's guiding light.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the following organizations in honor of Shirley's lifelong commitment to music and helping others:
Napa Christian
2201 Pine St. Napa, CA 94559
https://napachristian.com/our-community/support-our-school/
Providence Community Health Foundation Napa Valley
414 S. Jefferson Street, Napa, CA 94559
https://give.providence.org/napavalley Shirley M. Guthrie
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Napa Valley Register from Mar. 19 to Mar. 20, 2026.
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Tulocay Cemetery Funeral Home & Crematory411 Coombsville Rd, Napa, CA 94559
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