Shirley Ann Huckleberry

1932 - 2023

Shirley Ann Huckleberry

Shirley Ann Huckleberry was born on May 29, 1932, in Hibbing, Minnesota. A dedicated woman of faith and family, Shirley passed away peacefully on December 19, 2023, at the age of 91. She lived a life abundant with love, laughter, and faith, and her legacy is defined by her loving spirit and unwavering commitment to her loved ones.

Shirley moved to California where she met and married the love of her life, Paul, in 1953. They had four children together, Jay, David, Ray, and Karen. In 1969, they moved their family to Porterville, California, where they became embedded in their community and church.

As a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Shirley was the heart and soul of her family. Her love knew no bounds as she cherished her 4 children, 12 grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren. Family gatherings were filled with warmth, laughter, and the delicious aroma of meals prepared with love.

Her professional journey was marked by her role as an Office Manager at Tulare County Mental Health, a position she retired from after many years of loyal service. Shirley was a thoughtful and supportive colleague and mentor, which earned her the honor of Tulare County Older Worker of the Year. Her leadership and dedication were recognized by the Nazarene Church's Dare to Soar award, a testament to her servant heart.

Shirley's faith was an integral part of her life, providing her with strength, comfort, and purpose. She was an active member of the Nazarene Church where she found joy in teaching children's Sunday School and Benson Buddies. She will forever be remembered by the many hearts she touched as Ms. Shirley, a beacon of love and kindness.

In addition to her devotion to family and faith, Shirley had a creative spirit that manifested in her various hobbies. She was an accomplished baker, delighting family and friends with her delicious treats. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and laughter, filled with the sweet aromas of freshly baked goods. Shirley's artistic talents extended beyond the kitchen, as she found joy in playing the piano and painting, creating beautiful works of art that reflected her vibrant spirit.

Shirley is survived by her children, Jay Huckleberry, David (Debbie) Huckleberry, Ray Huckleberry, and Karen (Randy) Rippee, her brother Jim (Renita) Allison, and sister-in-law, Ardell (Carl-deceased) Allison. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Anna Allison, her husband Paul Huckleberry, and her siblings, Jane (Delmer) Smith, Betty French, Ione (Maynard) Smith, Norma (Pierce) Kibbey, and Carl Allison.

Shirley will be dearly missed by her family and friends. While we mourn the loss of her physical presence, we take comfort in the memories we shared and the love that will forever reside in our hearts. Her spirit lives on in the lessons she taught, the kindness she showed, and the countless lives she touched.

A memorial service in Shirley's honor will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at the Porterville Church of the Nazarene, 2005 West Olive Ave, Porterville, CA 93257. We invite you to join us in celebrating her life and sharing your memories of this remarkable woman. Please feel free to upload photos and share your stories on the memorial page as a tribute to Shirley.

To sign Shirley Ann Huckleberry's on line Register book or leave a message of condolence go to www.portervillefuneral.com. For additional information, contact Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center at (559) 784-6485.