Shirley Jean Miner, 86, of Eureka, passed away peacefully in her home on April 16, 2021, surrounded by her family.

Shirley was born on December 24, 1934 in Dolton, South Dakota, to John and Carrie Senner. In 1937 the family moved to California and settled in Clovis, near Fresno. Shirley grew up on a working fruit ranch and dairy where her father was foreman. In her younger years Shirley worked in the fruit packing industry in the local area, an experience that laid the foundation for her abundant and tireless work ethic. She graduated from Clovis High School and attended Fresno State College, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. While at college she met Richard “Bruce” Miner, a fellow student. Shirley and Bruce were married in Carmel, CA in January, 1959. Shortly after the wedding, they moved to Washington, DC where Bruce was stationed in the US Navy and Shirley worked as a hospital laboratory technologist. They began their family with the birth of their son Douglas on their first wedding anniversary.

After Bruce’s discharge in 1961, the family moved to Eureka, which would remain their home for the next 61 years. Shirley went to work for Humboldt Pathology Laboratory as a laboratory technologist. Daughter Lauren came along in 1963, and Bruce completed a degree in Forestry at Humboldt State College. Shirley worked full-time at the laboratory while raising their two children, eventually retiring from the laboratory after 27 years in 1989.

Shirley was a very active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Eureka. She served as Clerk of Session for 26 years, and was active in many church service groups. She was also an active member of community service organizations, including PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization), which provides scholarship opportunities for women entering college or continuing their education later in life. She served as PEO president of Chapter TD in 2018-2019.

In addition to community service, Shirley will be remembered for her love of flowers, gardening, music and the theater. She encouraged a passion for music in her children, attending many local theater productions and symphony concerts with her family. In the 1970s, Shirley and her family were enthusiastic members of local square dancing clubs. In retirement, Shirley and Bruce became avid travelers, making lifelong friends on their many excursions all over the world. Shirley loved to read and belonged to various book clubs throughout the years.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, John and Carrie Senner, of Sanger, CA; her brother Philip (Bernice) of San Jose, CA; her brother Jess (Madge) of San Leandro, CA; her nephews Ronald of San Jose, CA and Kenneth of San Leandro, CA. She is survived by her husband, Richard Bruce Miner; son Douglas (Rhonda) of Bremerton, WA; daughter Lauren of Eureka, CA; grandsons Andrew and Ryan, both of Bremerton, WA; granddaughter Jessica Nourouzee (Easa) and great-grandson Simon Usef Nourouzee of Seattle, WA. She is also survived by nieces Joyce Walker of Lawrenceville, GA and great nephew, Michael Walker also of GA, Patty Leinonen (Mark) of Scarborough, ME, and Lynn Schorno (Ernie, deceased) of Carmichael, CA.

The family sends heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the wonderful caregivers who helped Shirley through the past year: Terri, Sarah, and Helping Hands Home Care, LLC of Eureka. We also thank everyone at Hospice of Humboldt for their extraordinary care and support.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice of Humboldt.