Shirley Green died peacefully at her home in McKinleyville with her family by her side on May 3, 2017.

Shirley was born on January 8, 1934 in Arcata to Arthur and Helen Molander. She married Wesley Green Sr. on April 22, 1954. They were happily married for over 63 years. Wes gave Shirley her nickname, “Turkey,” which was proudly displayed on their car license plate for many years.

Shirley graduated from Arcata High School and attended Business College in Eureka. She was a stay-at-home mom while raising her two sons, Wesley Green Jr and Victor Green. She was a bookkeeper for her son Wes’s business for over 30 years. She also was the first female in the United States for the “Fuller Brush Company.”

Shirley loved children and ran a day care center out of her home for over 10 years and cared for many children in the Arcata area.

Shirley Green was a member of the Arcata McKinleyville SDA Church for over 70 years. She loved Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was very devoted to her church. She also volunteered for the Dorcas Society for the needy. She always cared for and had a big heart for the less fortunate.

Shirley looked forward to going to Niveen’s restaurant in McKinleyville with her husband. They created many friendships there. Another one of the many joys in Shirley’s life was listening to Elvis Presley. She was proud to be Elvis Presley’s #1 fan. For her 70th birthday she had a huge Elvis-themed party. She always tried to live life to the fullest and see the positive in any situation. She was always the peacemaker in her life.

Shirley deeply loved her husband, children, extended family and her many dear friends. Her big heart had a place for all those closest to her. She cherished her relationship with her niece Holly Klopfenstein. She also enjoyed her time spent with her dear friend Trudy Bull.

Shirley is survived by her husband Wesley Green Sr, her son Wesley Jr and his wife Teresa Green, son Victor Green and his wife Jewels Green. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Jason and Candi Green, Victor Jr. and Veronica Green, Nick Green, Whitney Green, Erica Green and Brian, Danielle Cunningham, Lyndsey and Travis Brunner, Koren Grandfield and her 23 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Wally Molander of Anderson, Calif. and his wife Marilyn, sister in law Sherie Molander of Wenatchee, Wash. and Bob Clanton and numerous nieces and nephews.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Helen Molander, Sister Lois Sanard, Brother Bob Molander, Sister Dorothy Clanton, Sister Carmel Salsman.

The family would like to thank Hospice for their medical services and emotional and spiritual support for Shirley during her final days. Also a special thank you to Mo and Barbara for their support and taking such good care of Shirley.

 There will be a celebration of Shirley’s life on Saturday May 13, 2017 at 2 p.m. at the Arcata McKinleyville 7 Day Adventist Church located at 1200 Central Avenue, McKinleyville. Pastor Ron Mellor will be officiating.

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The obituary above was submitted by Shirley Green’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.