Obituary of Shirley Jean Dillinger

Shirley Jean (Brandon) Dillinger, of Lakewood, WA, passed from this life on 19 May 2011. Born in Green City, MO on May 1, 1939, Shirley lived in several states across the country with her Air Force husband before settling in the Pacific Northwest in 1967. Shirley died peacefully at home surrounded by many of her family members. A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 26 1:00 pm at Lakeview Chapel, 4606 108th St. SW, Lakewood, WA. A reception will be held after the service for those who wish to stay and share memories. One of four children, and mother of five, Shirley is survived by many loving family members. Shirley is survived by her sister Barbara Colene Conant and her husband Charles (Chuck) of St. Joseph, MO and her sister Cathy Sue Grooms of Kirksville, MO. She is also survived by her children: Steven Ray Dillinger and his wife Merri, Excelsior Springs, MO; Michael David Dillinger and his wife Judy, Tumwater, WA; Susan Elaine Smith, Lacey, WA; Gregory Scott Dillinger, Lakewood, WA; and, Jeffery Wayne Dillinger, Lakewood, WA. Once you were a part of Shirley’s family, you always remained so, no matter what. She also leaves behind her two former daughter-laws: Judy Soto and Julie Wellborn whom she continued to have a loving relationship with. Shirley delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and is survived by: Kaylah Janae Fernandez Pangelinan; Brandy Lynn (Thomas) Nelson and her husband PJ; Michael David Thomas; Dario Alonzoe Smith; Michael Todd Sparling; Bridget Adelle Dillinger; Aaron Mitchell Dillinger; Dylan Scott Nelson; and, Aubree Paige Nelson. In addition, Shirley leaves behind many men and women who saw her as a second Mom. She had an unconditional love for her children’s close friends. Shirley’s house was never empty. There was always an extra plate on the table and a bed to sleep in. Although she gave birth to 5 children, she had many, many more. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Delorm and Clarice Brandon of Lancaster, MO; her brother Carroll Dewayne Brandon of Lancaster, MO; and her ex-husband James Gregory Dillinger of Taholah, WA. Shirley retired as a Clerk from the US Post Office in Tacoma, after 30 years of service. During her career she held many positions and received numerous superior performance awards. Shirley was always grateful for her former bosses and the life long friendships she found at her job. After her retirement she enjoyed having more time to read, shop, travel, and spend time with her grandchildren. In recent years we teasingly referred to her as a drug-runner as she delivered prescriptions for the Bridgeport Pharmacy as a part-time retirement job. She enjoyed meeting many of the residents to whom she delivered those prescriptions. We will each have our own memories of Shirley, but almost everyone will share the memory of Shirley with her nose in a book (if it was a Stephen King or Agatha Christie all the better) and a glass of sweet tea at hand. She was well known for her great Southern-style cooking, and the best mashed potatoes in the world. Shirley was a shopper, and at various times loved to collect Depression Glass, Dolls, and various antiques. She could spend hours browsing and sharing those times with her daughter and daughters-in-law. Shirley shared a love of Sci-Fi (specifically Stargate) with her sons. Like any grandmother, Shirley loved being Nana. Each grandchild, and subsequently great-grandchildren, was known as “pumpkin” when they were young. She can be seen in many photos cheek to cheek with her pumpkins. She was proud of their accomplishments, and enjoyed going to sports events that they participated in, having them all around her at the holidays, and being called Nana. The Christmas holiday at Shirley’s house was something else. She loved shopping for Christmas more than any other kind of shopping and this was an activity that went on all year long. She simply loved finding the right gifts for all those she loved. And, if you knew Shirley, you knew that Christmas Eve was open house at Shirley’s. Through the years, if you wanted to be sure to catch up with all the family friends, and their children, grandchildren, spouses, girlfriends, boyfriends and more, just show up at Shirley’s and everyone would be there at one point. Being far from “home” most of her adult life, Shirley developed a family of friends who also mourn her passing. Becky, Darlene, Diane, Dawn, Lonell and Marian, and more (and we apologize to those not mentioned), Shirley loved you all and you are considered part of her family. With those friends she shared special family events, visits to the casino, trips to New Orleans, road trips to Arizona, and cruises. They supported her in so many ways through the years that we want to make sure to recognize them here. We will miss Shirley, but will hold her in our hearts forever. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center (253)566-1008