Shirley Rae Walker

Shirley Rae (McCrery) Walker, 81, of Clarkston, WA passed away on March 7, 2026. She was born February 6, 1945, in Orofino, ID to Sharrel and Leora McCrery. She grew up in the Jingle Town neighborhood of Orofino, graduating from Orofino High School in 1963. She worked at the Rexall Drug until she married her sweetheart Garry Walker of Orofino. She then moved to Moscow before being whisked off to the metropolis of Pomeroy, WA for Garry's first teaching job.

Shirley and Garry moved to Kirkland in 1970 where they had their two sons. She worked at the Bon Marche in downtown Seattle, before the family eventually settled in Sammamish, WA. Shirley was an anchor for her family, drawing both her younger brother and sister to live near her. She raised her two boys while also acting as neighborhood mom for all the kids nearby. She knew how to throw a birthday party, especially known for a couple of epic scavenger hunts. Once her sons were able to fend for themselves, she went back to work at Eddie Bauer, outfitting the entire extended family in EB attire. Yes, some of us were called "Eddie" because of our stylish gear. Shirley left Eddie Bauer to help care for her nephews and niece, later known as her bonus children.

In 2003, they moved to Clarkston, WA and she continued her loving support of family. She enjoyed moving in her aunt Mame and spending several years with her. Shirley quickly became a fixture in many social activities, including the Red Hatters and LC Valley Bandettes, connecting with many old friends. Shirley also enjoyed playing cards, quilting, crafting, thrifting, and reading (especially if the stories had happy endings). Shirley had a special interest in flashlights and other small gadgets, often gifting them to friends and family. She and Garry loved traveling, and spending time with their kids, grandkids, bonus kids, and extended family.

Shirley was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and friend…and she will be remembered for her great sense of humor, loving demeanor, magnetic personality, and generosity. She is survived by her sons Jeff of Seattle, Kevin (Shelley) of Puyallup, sister Christy (Bob) Kurts of Clarkston, grandchildren Hailey and Spencer of Olympia, McCrery bonus children (Brian, Bill, Clinton, and Lizzie) and bonus grandchildren, and Johnson nephews (Scott and John). She is preceded in death by Garry, her parents, sister Sharon, and brother Sharrel.

A celebration of life is planned for the summer of 2026, and an announcement will be entered in the local newspaper.