Shirley Ann (Broeckel) Benham

Shirley was born in Endicott, Washington, to Philip and Katherine Broeckel, of Dusty. She grew up on the homestead farm near Dusty with her parents and grandparents. As a young girl, working on the farm, she developed a strong work ethic.

Shirley attended Lacrosse School, graduating in 1955. She was confirmed at the St. John Congregational Church, near Dusty, where she shared piano playing duties with her cousins. Shirley loved Jesus as her Savior, and throughout her life she shared with others less fortunate, even when she had little to give. Shirley loved visiting and had a smile for everyone. She had a great love for her family, and took pride in her grandchildren. She was an accomplished cook, had a passion for gardening, and loved cats.

Shirley attended Kinman Business University, and worked as a receptionist at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane. There, she met her husband, Frank Benham. After they married in 1961, they moved to the Seattle area, and had two children; Terri and Scott. Shirley's many jobs included working at her husband's airplane instrumentation shop, running a Pepsi Cola vending machine business, working as a receptionist for two doctors, and a delivery driver for a dental lab. Most recently, she demonstrated products at grocery stores, where she loved interacting with people.

Shirley moved to El Dorado Assisted Living Facility in December of 2021, where she made many friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Frank, and her sister Marlene Dreger, of Wilbur, Washington.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Terri (Karl) Pearson, of Kent, Washington. Her son, Scott Benham, of North Bend, and her grandchildren, Riley and Tyler Tetzloff, and Hailey and Burke Benham, along with many nieces and nephews.

Cremation interment will be held at the Dusty Cemetery at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 8. Anyone is welcome to attend.