Shirley Ellen Paul June 23 – 1946 – Oct. 18, 2010 Born in Browning, MT, Shirley was enrolled in the Blackfeet Tribe and was very proud of her Indian heritage.
Shirley is survived by six children, Ruth (Idelsi) Gallo, Cookie (Jose) Moreno, Robert (Brenda) George, Tina (Miguel) Hernandez, Jackie George, Donnie George III; sisters, Vera, of Yakima (her children Tim and Bill); Lois Briden Sharp and children, of Browning, MT; brother, Wilbur (Maude) Paul (their children) Dawna and Eddie, of North Carolina; grandchildren, Brenda, Kateri, Tami, Rylee, Sean, Marty, Curtis, Michael, Nelson, Monica, Monique, Jacob, Pedro, Heather, Tabatha, JJ, Chase, Donnie and Jordan; great grandchildren, Jordon, Enokahe, Jeremiah, Sylvester, Jace, Marty Jr., Tiva and Little. Preceded in death by mothers Mary OwlChild, Rosie OwlChild Briden, father Wilbur Paul Sr.; sister, Janice Briden; niece, Charlotte Moreno and grandson Donald George Oya. Shirley loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was our Dream Catcher Lady, and an expert Native arts and crafts woman. She was very active in the Kateri Circle at St. Leo’s. She knew first hand the power of prayer. Thanks to everyone especially Kathy, Joan, Patricia and her friends at the Puyallup Tribe where she worked. She loved her job at the Puyallup Tribal Treatment Center. She believed everyone can be a good person. A special thank you to the Puyallup Tribe, PTHA, Hospice and IVIG Nursing Staff, which allowed Shirley to pass on at home, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Shirley donated her body to the University of Washington Medical School – “Cuz she always wanted to go there.”
Rosary will be said on Thursday, October 21 at 7 pm at the home of Ruth Gallo, 8214 E. “B” Street, Tacoma, WA 98404. Memorial services will be Friday, October 22 at 12:10 pm at St. Leo’s Church, 710 So. 13th, Tacoma. Fr. Pat Twohy and Fr. Bill Bischell will officiate. Dinner to follow at Chief Leschi School, 5625 52nd St. E., Puyallup, WA 98371.