Shirley Heller Obituary

HELLER - SHIRLEY, mother of Jean Elizabeth, Virginia Ruth and William Thomas Jr., was born in St. Louis, MO with her twin brother, Thomas, in November of 1928. By 1969 her Ph.D. in English from the University of Tulsa under her belt, she took a professorship at Saint Mary's University in San Antonio, TX. Though Shirley continued to teach, it was her command of the English language that built her reputation in the field of technical writing. Her 21 years of dedicated work at Southwest Research Institute was a source of great pride. She taught her last class in the Fall of 2003 at San Antonio Community College. Shirley had a flare for adventure; traveling the globe, riding elephants in India with her Texas friends, traveling with her grandson Chris from Russia to Morocco. She loved Texas, taking her family often to Padre Island or even just spending the day at Schlitterbaun Water Park never missing her turn on the slide! Two of her grand daughters were married in 2004, Chloe Diane Ruggles wed to Carl David Vine, and Heather Andrus Bird wed to Jason Eugene Smith. The Vine's had their first child, Frederic Thomas James Vine this year making her a proud great grandmother. Mimi, as she is endearingly called had 4 additional grandchildren; 1 younger granddaughter, Miss McKenzie Margaret Purdie; and 3 grandsons, Dylan Hilmer Bird, Derek Hobson Ruggles and Christopher Hanley Bird. She was loved by them all and will be well remembered. Memorial service will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday at St. John's Episcopal Church. Moore's Rosewood Chapel , 744-1202 Shirley Heller VIEW AND SIGN THE ONLINE GUEST BOOK: www.legacy.com/tulsaworld

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Published by Tulsa World on Nov. 7, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Heller

13 Entries

Alejandro Rengifo

November 18, 2007

My heart goes out to Shirley's family, I am sad to hear of your loss. I had the privilege of attending one of her technical writing classes at San Antonio College. Latter on I had the privilege of recommending her to my boss for a technical writing seminar at my place of work, here in San Antonio. As expected, the seminar was a great success.

She improved my life with her teaching particularly since English is my second language, and I needed to improve my written communications skills at work.

Susie Hilmer Jones

November 12, 2007

I am sad to hear of your loss. She sounds like a wonderful and fascinating person.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

RUTH HILMER-LAGO

November 12, 2007

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Shirley is now with my dad (Thomas) and I am sure they are laughing and carring on. I did not know her very well but it sounds like she was a GREAT lady. You and your family are in my prayers.

Peggy Hilmer-Gibson

November 12, 2007

My heart goes out to Jeanne, Ginger & Billy. I always thought Shirley was terrific and thought it was cool that both our Mothers were named Shirley.

I have many fond memories of the house on Birmingham.

Peace be with you.

Lilia Delgado

November 9, 2007

With my most deepest sympathy to Shirley's family. My prayers and warm wishes are with you. Shirley was my first manager at SwRI. She was a role model and I loved her laughter and her zest for life. She was a special soul that made a impression on me and will never forget. I will always remember her with great love.

Alberta (Birdie) Matthews

November 9, 2007

I was honored to have met Shirley at Southwest Research Institute and always enjoyed her style, grace, smile, and warmth - she definitely had a "flare!" Shirley was one to be admired and an inspiration - especially to me. My deepest sympathy is extended to her family and friends. May the comfort of time ease the sadness of not seeing her bright smile and may God's loving embrace warm your hearts.

Bill Gibson

November 9, 2007

We'll miss you Shirley. You made all of our lives a little better and you made all of our proposals much better.

Thomas Booker

November 8, 2007

I am greatly appreciative to have been a friend of Shirley's. She was the first, to my knowledge, to have taught a San Antonio College authorized class on the SwRI campus. It was a technical writing course, and Shirley gave much of her time and her talent to making it a success. She imparted much wisdom and sensibility to the students in the class, as she no doubt did to other folks through her life. She made work at SwRI a good bit more fun by her presence.
So long Shirley, if there is a happy hour going on in heaven, I hope you have saved a seat for me!

Edwin Goehring

November 7, 2007

Shirley was the best boss I ever had. We worked together at SWRI. She was always so joyful. We had special times during seminars SWRI had in San Antonio When I heard of Shirleys passes I felt like a long lost friend had left. I tried to find her when I was in San Antonio this past March but could not locate her. My sympathy is with you. Ed

Christy Lyke RN

November 7, 2007

Shirley was one of my favorite people at Inverness. Although she rarely spoke, her communication skills were excellent. I have missed seeing her since I went to a new job but I will never forget her.

Richard Reeder Susan McKee

November 7, 2007

Ginger,
I read in the morning paper of your loss. I wanted you to know that
Susan and I are thinking of you and your family. We all go on in the
memories of those who love us. Please accept our condolences and
support.

Jim & Diane Autry

November 7, 2007

Shirley was my manager and my mentor for many years at SwRI. She instilled in me to be detail oriented. I learned so much from her. Our prayers are with you at this time of your loss.

john moore

November 7, 2007

My thoughts are with you all
I will truly miss Shirley

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