Shirley Ardelle Keith
August 11, 1924 – December 18, 2010
Shirley Ardelle Keith passed away peacefully December 18, 2010 at Wyatt House on Bainbridge Island.
A lifelong resident of Washington state, Shirley was born into the Ostlund family at Everett, WA on August 11, 1924. She graduated from Everett High School in 1942 and attended College of Puget Sound in Tacoma prior to her marriage to Philip C.Keith, USN, of Everett in July 1945.
Shirley has resided on Bainbridge Island since the Keith Family moved from South King County in 1967. She was an active member of her community; serving on the City Council (1992-95), the Board of the Senior Center, Bainbridge Foundation Board, Bainbridge Garden Club and the Bainbridge Island Arboretum Unit 61.
For nearly 30 years Shirley volunteered at the Puget Sound Blood Bank in Seattle and was a Trustee and Vice President from 1987 to 1993. She was very active with the Washington Park Arboretum for over 40 years and active member and supporter of the Audubon Society. She attended and supported the Seattle Opera from its inception, as well as the Seattle Symphony. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star. Her love of music extended to singing in various choirs since her youth. The last few years she sang in the Eagle Harbor Congregational Church Choir and with the Evergreen Singers.
A walk through her gardens at her home on Fletcher Bay was a memorable experience, especially in springtime. She propagated over 125 rhododendrons and azaleas and she spent many years nursing her extensive bonsai collection.
Shirley is survived by her children; Lawrence (Karen) of Hope, Idaho, Gair (Hannchen) of West Seattle, and S. Brynn of Juneau, Alaska; her brother, Dr. Lyle Ostlund (Pat) of Everett and Dolores Earley (Hugh) of Paso Robles, California. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Aaron (Dannette) Lowe, Orion Keith, and Anya Webb; four great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Shirley was preceded in passing by her husband, Philip C. Keith, in 1976.
In lieu of flowers, Shirley requests that gifts be considered to the Puget Sound Blood Center, 921 Terry Avenue, Seattle 98104 or Arboretum Foundation, 2300 Arboretum Dr. E., Seattle, 98112.
A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, January 22, 2011, at 1 p.m. at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church, 105 Winslow Way on Bainbridge Island, 206.842.4657. A reception will follow.
Please sign the online Guest Book for the family at: www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.
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