Shirley Dyer-McDaniel, 90
Shirley Ellen Dyer McDaniel, 90, passed away peacefully at home with family at her side on Jan. 4, 2025.
Shirley was born in Kalispell on June 4, 1934, to Ray George Dyer and Dorothy Bernadine Sheldon Dyer Barr.
She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings, Claire Francis Kienas, Roberta Ann Osborn, John Chester Dyer, Kenneth Edward Dyer, and James Rodger Dyer.
Shirley grew up in Kalispell and one of her first jobs was working in Pearson’s Drug Store. She had fond memories of the Pearson family. After graduating from Flathead High School, Shirley moved to Seattle and worked at Boeing.
She was introduced to Robert McDaniel in 1960 in Spokane through her brother, Ken Dyer and his wife Lona, one of her best friends. Bob and Shirley were married on June 10, 1961. They were active members of Pilgrim Lutheran Church and avid supporters of Spokane Lutheran School. Shirley made lifelong friends through these connections.
Shirley and Bob lived on Alice Street in northwest Spokane until 1974 when they moved to Kennewick, Washington. The family became active members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the affiliated school, BLS. After Bob’s retirement, they moved to a small acreage in Pasco, Washington. Shirley enjoyed her huge garden, and she tolerated Bob’s horses, dogs and cats.
After her beloved husband’s death in 2002, Shirley lived in Pasco and later in Portland with her daughter Peggy and family. Shirley’s last decades of life included being active in church and traveling to some amazing places. One of Shirley’s favorite yearly events was attending the extended family reunion with the Dyers, McDaniels, and Zimmerschieds. Shirley was truly happiest when she had people to care for. She had the gift of hospitality, and everyone felt welcome in her home and life.
Shirley is survived by her seven children, Connie Lee Kelly, Robert G. McDaniel (Peggy), Janette Osborn (Tim), John McDaniel (Sharon), Peggy Lynn McDaniel (Steve), and Gerald (Jerry) McDaniel (Emma), Susan Dyer Colter, Ken Dyer’s wife, Lona Sundby Dyer; and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
We will be celebrating all things Shirley Ellen at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Spokane at 2 p.m. on Feb. 8, with a reception and light meal to follow.
St. Luke Lutheran Church, 9707 N. Division St. Spokane, WA, 99218. 509-467-5256.
A private livestream will be available on YouTube.
In lieu of flowers the family requests these memorials be considered or please give to a charity of your choice; Muscular Dystrophy Association-MDA.org; or Bethlehem Lutheran School Endowment Fund (scholarship fund to help families with tuition) 2505 W. 27th Ave. Kennewick WA, 99337. Phone (509) 582-5858.