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Shirley passed away in Auburn, Washington on November 9, 2025, after a long illness. She was 86.
Shirley was born in Aberdeen, Washington on January 24, 1939, the daughter, of E.A. “Doc” and Edna Nelson. Shirley grew up in Tokeland, Washington. As a young girl, she once worked at the historic Tokeland Hotel.
Shirley attended Tokeland School and Ocosta School where she met her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Miller, Sr. They married December 28, 1956, in Tokeland, Washington.
Her husband, Ken, preceded her in death on July 4, 1979.
Shirley worked as a waitress at the Lamplighter, Sea Star Restaurant and The Mutineer, all in Grayland, Washington.
Some of Shirley’s favorite activities were helping with the meat raffle at the Westport VFW and helping to coordinate the Ocosta All School Reunion.
Shirley is survived by her daughters, Debra Miller of Oakville and Cindy Woodard of Auburn, and a son, Ken, Jr. (Marcie) of Grayland. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Kendall (Jake) Newman (Nora & Cooper) of Raymond, and Cory (Jenny) Miller (Camden & a great grandchild due in April 2026) of Grayland.
She is also survived by two sisters, Marilyn (Joe) Brooks of Orondo, Washington, and Gail Irwin of Tacoma, Washington, and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Besides her husband, Ken, she was predeceased by her parents, E.A. “Doc” and Edna Nelson, and brothers Robert and Roy Nelson.
The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at A Caring Heart LLC, adult family home in Auburn, Washington, for their compassionate and wonderful care of Shirley during her residency there.
There will be a time of visitation and viewing on Friday, November 14th from 1-5 PM at Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington. Graveside will be held on Saturday, November 15th at 11:00 AM at Fern Hill Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2208 Roosevelt Street P.O. Box 22, Aberdeen, WA 98520
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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