Shirley Anne Whitney

BLACK HAWK – Shirley A. Whitney, 83, passed away peacefully Friday, October 17, 2025, surrounded by family. She was born July 1942, in Medford, MA. and grew up in Avon, MA, with her foster mom, Mabel Russell and her daughter Ruth Russell, who later fostered Shirley after Mabel passed.

Shirley worked at Brockton Edison Light and Power in Brockton, MA, where she met the love of her life, Frank C. Whitney. Frank famously proposed to her at halftime during a Boston Celtics game in Boston Garden. They were married on November 21, 1962, in Middleborough, MA. They shared over 42 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and family before Frank’s passing in 2005.

Together, they raised three children: Barry Whitney (Teresa) of Rapid City, SD; Lisa Smith of Pryor, OK; and Ruth Ramanauskas of Rochester, MN. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Connor, Addison, Evan, Drew, Sydney, Brooke, Amy, and Paul.

Shirley was loyal, kind, and endlessly giving. Her heart of gold and gentle spirit drew people to her. She never met a stranger she didn’t like and had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome.

She worked for many years at Montgomery Ward in Rochester, MN before retiring. A woman of many talents, Shirley enjoyed crewel embroidery, cardinals, and caring for animals - who seemed to be naturally drawn to her. Her favorite pastimes were watching game shows, completing word search puzzles, playing cards, Yahtzee, and Bridge with friends and family.

Her faith was an important part of her life, and she cherished her church family. Shirley loved attending craft bazaars and shopping. Often, she could be found just relaxing and reading a good book. Holidays were her favorite time of year, and she always made them special for everyone around her.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank; her sisters Nancy Walker and Donna Soule; and her dear extended family members who went before her.
Shirley will be remembered for her warmth, humor, generosity, and the love she poured into her family and friends.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 29 at Grace United Church in Piedmont, SD. Inurnment will be in the spring, alongside her husband, at Pond Cemetery, Lakeville, MA.

Please join us after the service for a light lunch and time to share memories.

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