Shirley Annabelle Halm

Shirley Annabelle Halm was born on January 7, 1930 in Culbertson, Nebraska and passed from this earth at 4 a.m. April 16, 2024 in Sherwood, Oregon with her husband Dale and daughter Sharon at her side. Just hours before, she had told us that she felt fine, and was sitting in her cozy chair, fully dressed with a necklace, brown shirt, and soft orange jacket. This WAS Shirley. Her parents were Dorcas Lewellyn Fellers Mills and Bryan Orman Mills. She was their 4th and youngest child; preceded by 3 boys; Edwin, Wyman, and Francis. The family lived near Culbertson, Nebraska on their farm from times-of-plenty, through the economic woes of the Great Depression, the drought, and the dustbowl of the 1930's. As little Shirley grew up with her family all farm families in the area began to experience failed crops, looming payments due to bankers for mortgages and farm equipment. . . with no ability to economically survive, so most left the state. Early in the 1940's Shirley's family also sold everything they had and followed the hope of a better life via the economic boon in the Portland area where 97,000 people were hired during the war buildup of the early 40's by the 3 Kaiser shipyards to produce various ships for WWII. She must have been so intimidated by city life after living on a farm where the closest neighbor was 2 miles away. They lived in a small rental home near Emanual Hospital. But didn't just survive, but became involved in music with her violin and piano abilities that their parents had afforded the whole family. Additionally, she was a stunning beauty and each year the chamber of commerce held a beauty pageant. She was named Miss Flame of Portland in 1949. After graduating from Jefferson High School in 1948, she went on to study at what was then known as Multnomah College. She achieved a two-year degree and met another student - fresh from serving in the Navy - and studying at Multnomah: Dale D. Halm. On March 25, 1951 Dale and Shirley were married in Portland and began their lives together. In 1955 Karen Annette was born and then in 1962 Sharon Lynn. Shirley enjoyed her career working as a bookkeeper/secretary part-time in the brokerage business at Dougherty and Cole and worked form EME as an assistant. While Dales career began as an accountant at PGE, he was then promoted and then assigned to head the Newberg office. The family moved to Newberg in 1961 just before Sharon was born. Dale was encouraged to join city and county associations, Dale and Shirley quickly gained a warm reputation as contributors in the community. From Newberg Methodist Church to Rotary and Junior Chamber of Commerce, they were happily involved. Shirley supported Dale, especially with his involvement in the Newberg Park and Recreation Board. In Hillsboro, the Halms continued their involvement in church and city activities. Shirley was active in PEO and in the Cancer Society. Besides weekly Bible studies, Shirley managed their social schedule; including their membership in several dance clubs over the years, including Portland Heights Dance Club and the Dandy Dancers. Shirley enjoyed planning their travel itineraries, and they were able to travel with close friends worldwide: from Scandinavia to China - from Germany to Australia - from Italy to Hawaii. In addition, Shirley and Dale hosted their kids and grandkids on a family Caribbean cruise for their 50th wedding anniversary in 2001. Completing the picture, Shirley was a careful canner and each year put away more than enough beans, peaches, tomatoes, and anything dad brought from the roadside stands. She was a trained vocalist, played the piano and violin.

Shirley Annabelle Halm

January 7, 1930 - April 16, 2024