Shirley JoAnn Rodgers

Shirley JoAnn Oliver who passed from this life on December 21, 2023 was born on March 5, 1937. To fully understand her story you'll have to understand the world she was born into. The Great Depression began in 1932 and would continue into 1939. Oklahoma where her parents James Oliver and the former Gwen Davis lived was hit especially hard, suffering through the drought and high winds creating the "Dust Bowl". Like so many others in Oklahoma they packed everything they owned and headed to California in search for a better life. Gwen was 8 1/2 months pregnant when they began the trip and Shirley was born shortly after they arrived. They got to California with nothing but hopes and dreams and very little money. In those days especially, family meant everything and people helped each other out. With the support of their loved ones, hard work and determination they began to prosper. Gwen and James added to their family and gave Shirley a brother, Jim (Kathy)(both who preceded her in death) and a little sister Yvonne ( Vennie). Life wasn't without setbacks the house they lived in burned to the ground and James was involved in an accident that left him hospitalized for months and scarred for life. Shirley was always very mature and responsible and it wasn't long before she was running the house and taking care of her siblings while her parents worked. Yvonne says, "they called her the general for the way she ordered them around." Shirley was good at being in charge and it served her well for later in life. In high school Shirley was a Majorette and played clarinet in the school band. Her father passed his musical abilities onto her as she also played the piano and the accordion. Their home was always filled with the sound of music. This was the time when Shirley met the boy who would be her whole world, Don Rodgers who preceded her in death. They married in July of 1955, shortly after graduation. Shirley's life as a homemaker began then. This would be her proudest accomplishment in life. They soon had three children, Michelle and Stephanie just 13 months apart and then Rodney (Lisa) came in January of 1960. Shirley and Don had many friends with children near the same age as theirs. Life during these years was busy, hectic and fun. The kids grew up and went on their own and Don and Shirley started their next chapter traveling with their friends. Many good times were had with their crew- Marge and Dave, John and Lynette, Jim and Kathy, Richard and Jeanne and Mark and Sue just to name a few. Shirley enjoyed her years working out at the gun club with her buddies, having breakfast with her girlfriends, being a part of her class reunion committees, shopping for the newest and blingiest styles, and watching her kids and grandkids numerous activities. Shirley had many roles but being a wife, mom, grandma, and friend were some of her best. Shirley was blessed with 12 grandkids: Amanda Irigoyen (Joe) Noah Murguia (Lexy) Nicole Boyd (TJ) Aaron Miller (Kaci) Lindsey Meyer (George) Jacob Rodgers (Carly) Garrett Rodgers (Jaclyn) Jessica Reimer (Kent), Helena, Jacob, Lauren and Daniel Labogin. The great-grandkids were the next additions to her ever-growing family, 22 to be exact: Taryn, Caleb and Ava Irigoyen, Josie and Hudson Murguia, Wyatt Boyd, Braydon, Brennon and Brody Miller, Sayler Smith, Grant and Evelyn Meyer, Audrey, Luka, Rocco, Mavrik, Lila, Jaxson and Ruby Rodgers, Ari, Gabby and Zach Reimer. In addition to her immediate family, Shirley is survived by her sister Yvonne Soares and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Marge and Dave Perry, numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends. Viewing will be held from 5-7PM Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024 at Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel, 1588 Lincoln Street, Kingsburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Thursday, January 4th, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1275 Smith Street, Kingsburg with burial to follow at Kingsburg Cemetery, 12782 E. Clarkson Avenue, Kingsburg. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Shirley JoAnn Rodgers

March 5, 1937 - December 21, 2023