Shirley Ann Pickel

1939 - 2025

Shirley Ann Pickel
November 6, 1939 - July 3, 2025
Shirley Ann Pickel, 85 passed away peacefully in Spokane, Washington, at 12:20 a.m. on July 3, 2025.
Shirley was born on November 6, 1939, in Grandview, Washington. She was the youngest daughter of John and Mary Guffey.
She grew up in a house with six other siblings (Irene, Eugene, Clifford, Jay, Irma, and Michael) and graduated from Grandview High School, WA in 1958.
On February 14, 1958, she married the love of her life, James Harold Pickel.
In 1966 Shirley and Jim moved to California and raised four sons while also developing a successful and reliable career in corporate finance in the lumber business alongside her husband, Jim. Her dedication to her career was only second to her passion for her family. She always attended every game the boys played, found a way to make every nature hike fun for everyone, and raised her boys with a strong unwavering love, which lives on through them.
Around 1983 Shirley and Jim established a home in the Leavenworth Washington area where they enjoyed the beauty of the mountains and a peaceful life together. Shirley worked and retired after building a successful and meaningful career at the Bank of America in Leavenworth.
She was a simple woman and found joy in traveling with Jim, crafting with creativity and care, baking delicious breads and cooking for her family, and spending treasured time with her grandchildren. She was a true matriarch, homemaker, wife, mother, business woman, grandmother and friend. Her gentle spirit, quiet strength, and deep love for family touched all who knew her and will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
Shirley is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim, and their eldest son, Kenneth.
She is survived by her sons and (spouse) Doug Pickel (Shannon), Craig Pickel (Gina), Michael Pickel (Jennifer) as well as nine grandchildren: Leslie, Josh, Kendra, Derick, Tiffany, Chad, Brittany, Max and Sarah), 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson, all of whom were the pride and joy of her life.
A memorial graveside service will be held August 25th @ 2:00pm at the Peshastin Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside Jim, reunited once again with the love of her life.