Shirley Joan Fulkerson - Petersen

Shirley JoAn (Fulkerson) Petersen, age 68, of La Grande, died Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at her home. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley. Committal and interment will follow at the Island City Cemetery.

Shirley was born on August 20, 1936, the daughter of Grover Eugene and Pearl (Borgerson) Fulkerson in Plentywood, Montana. After graduating from high school she earned a degree from Eastern Montana College. On December 28, 1958, she married James "Jim" Petersen in Plentywood, Montana. They lived in Salem, Oregon then Santa Cruz, California before settling in La Grande in 1967

Shirley worked part-time for Sandy's Fashions (where Claudsen's is now) and Herman Trailer Sales before she began work for Eastern Oregon University in the registrar's office. In 1979, when OHSU established the nursing program, they hired her as the office manager of that program. She retired from there in 1996.

Shirley was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, the Soroptomist Club, the Grande Ronde Hospital Auxiliary and two bridge clubs. When her children were young she was a Brownie leader and the family enjoyed camping. She was a card shark and enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. She enjoyed watching sports on television, especially tennis, and reading murder mysteries and watching crime shows. She loved attending school band concerts where her grandson played in the band. She especially liked the Jazz Band Concerts at the High School.

Survivors include her children, Joni Petersen-Simonis and Kris Petersen; grandson, Justin Simonis all of La Grande, Oregon; brother in law and his wife, Terry & Jill Petersen of Salem, Oregon; sister-in-law and her husband, Nancy & Joe Hubber of Helena, Montana; mother-in-law and her husband, Elizabeth (Petersen) and Jiggs Iwen of Billings, Montana; nieces and nephews, Jack & Kay Fulkerson of Sidney, Montana, David & Jane Fulkerson of Plentywood, Montana; Bobbie Lee & Bill Bush of Fairbanks, Alaska, Ron & Linda Robke of Redmond, Washington; and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son, Randall "Randy" Petersen in December of 2004.

Shirley was also preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Eugene and Clinton Palmer Fulkerson and sisters, Marjorie Robke and Maren Fulkerson (at age 5).

Those who wish may make contributions to the La Grande High School Band Boosters or charity of one's choice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850