Shirley Gunston

Shirley Gunston, age 86, of Portland, and formerly of Elgin, died Thursday, November 25, 2004 at her home. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, December 2, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at the Summerville Cemetery Chapel. Viewing will be held on Thursday from 9:00 until 12:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Shirley the daughter of Vern and Francis Hug, was born on April 5, 1918 at Pumpkin Ridge, the family ranch, homesteaded since the 1800s. She met her husband, Ray Gunston, in the 1930s and was married for 42 years until his death.

Shirley was preceded in death by her brother Russell (Bud) Hug. They were very close all of their lives. Shirley and husband Ray moved back and forth between Eastern Oregon and Portland throughout their lives. They raised their son Bill in La Grande. After Bill was in his last year in college they moved to Portland. When Ray retired they moved back to Elgin and Ray died soon after that.

Shirley continued to live in Elgin. She enjoyed good friends, gardening, sewing, playing cards and dancing at the Eagles. She just enjoyed life here with her old and new friends. Four years ago she moved to Portland to be close with her son Bill and family. She lived with them until a year ago, when she could no longer be alone at home and had to be put in a foster home, where she stayed until her death.

Shirley is survived by son Bill, daughter-in-law Connie, granddaughter Jeanine Fieldhouse, three great grandchildren and many other family members.

In lieu of flowers please donate money in her name to the study and cure of Macular Degeneration to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, PO Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061-0515.