Born August 15, 1940 at home in Perryville, Arkansas to Agnes and Clinton Tolley, the second of four children, Shirley died at home in Arcata on May 29, 2026 with the family present.

Shirley’s family came to California during World War II, when her father worked in the shipyards. Following the war they came to Humboldt County, where timber work was plentiful, settling in Crannell. Her father became a timber faller for Hammond Lumber Company and she loved the very rural yet close knit company town atmosphere that Crannell provided. She spoke frequently of swimming in the cold waters of Little River. The Crannell residents were like one large blended family and all remained friends throughout her life.

Education began at Trinidad Elementary, followed by Arcata High School, graduating in 1958. She was an excellent athlete while in high school, earning her athletic letter each of her four years. Following high school she briefly attended Humboldt State College and then moved to Redwood City for work.

In 1963 she married Dennis Pontoni, who she had met while attending high school. Following the marriage to Dennis, which culminated with her passing, she returned to Arcata, where they purchased their home in Sunny Brae. At this time she also re-enrolled at Humboldt State, which was about to become a University, and graduated with a degree in education.

Shirley then began a 27-year career teaching in the Arcata School District — first at Stewart School, and finishing at Sunny Brae. She had an amazing memory/recollection of all her former students and enjoyed contact with many during her retirement years.

Staying active during retirement, she developed an interest in “rocks” and joined the Humboldt Gem and Mineral Society. She chaired their annual show in Eureka for a couple years and was the club treasurer for seven more. While physically able, she loved the club field trips to various parts of Nevada, Oregon and Northern California. Meeting new people was always easy for Shirley, and many of the club members have become close family friends. In retirement she (we) also traveled to any activity in which a grandchild was involved (soccer, dancing, plays, karate, softball, cheer, little league, equestrian, school graduations, band and volleyball).

Shirley was pre-deceased by her mother and father, Agnes and Clinton Tolley, sister Cleta Tolley, brother Bert Tolley, mother and father-in-law Mabel and John Pontoni, and brother and sister-in-law Ray and Pamela Rassbach. She is survived by husband Dennis Pontoni, of 62 years, sons Brett, Bart, Brad (Carolyn), and Byron(Julie), sister Donna(Russ) Daley, grandchildren Kaelin, Asteria, Brooklyn (John), Kyla, Maci, and Bailey-Jean, nieces Dawn (Dave) Pimsner and Hayden, nephews Justin(Miriam) Daley, Riley, Carter, Becker, Sean, Chad, and Shane Rassbach. Also many cousins from her maternal and paternal families.

As a family we will remember her fierce love and loyalty to all of us. Her smile was beautiful. We are sincere in the belief that she knew of our love in return.

We request any donations be made to Hospice of Humboldt (thanks to them for their tremendous support), Humboldt Gem and Mineral Society, or the charity of your choice. Shirley, we love you, may you rest in peace. Family will be having a private service at a later date.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Shirley Pontoni’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.