Shirley Elva Christie

Shirley was born on March 20, 1929 to Warren and Mabel Kemp in Olds, Alberta the third daughter of four girls, sisters Marion, Joy and Gwen.   Shirley cherished being a:  Sister, Friend, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother (affectionately referred to as GG by all).

One of Shirley’s many attributes was her abililty to be a great hostess, social convener and organizer.  She made the best cinnamon buns, peach pie, horseshoe shaped birthday cakes. As one of the best cooks in the country she offered the male guests at her table a platter instead of a plate.

Shirley represented the Olds Elks Lodge  as a  candidate for the title of Calgary Stampede Queen in 1948.  She successfully accomplished the title of Lady in Waiting forming the Royal Trio. Shirley appeared in many Calgary Stampede Parades over the years.

Shirley met her husband Herb Christie during her grade 12 year.  He was a teacher at Olds College at that time.  They dated for several months attending Sunday Socials and dancing at the occasional barn dance (Herb was a good dancer).   They fell in love and were married the next October.  Herb whisked her away to his ranch 17 miles south of Cardston, on the US border.  They had five children in six years in an old two bedroom house that didn’t have running water or electricity.  They moved to Taber in 1956 where Herb and Shirley built Taber Auction Market and later added Cardston Livestock Auction and Stavely Livestock Commission Company.  Shirley was a side by side partner working with her husband in the auction business.  They couldn’t have accomplished those feats without the help of people like Dina Zanolli, Kaye Ferguson and Wes Dunz to name a few  They moved to Lethbridge in 1967.

One of GG’s passions was crocheting.  She crocheted at least 50 afghans for all of us and we displayed and celebrated them on many occasions.   Later in her life she moved to the Sierra’s Senior Living and had a special association with the people in the Sierra’s Condo.  She was a social butterfly, instrumental in helping plan with her good friend Geri Miyashiro many of the functions and enjoyed all of the activities that came with condo living.

Shirley “GG” is survived by 5 children, 13 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren:  daughter Marilyn Larter and daughters Karen, Kathryn (Tyson) Warawa, Ethan, Aspen and Kadyn, Jodi (Paul) Husted, Delaney and Burke; son Bob (Peggy) Christie and son Warren  (Amanda) Elliott; son Bill (Frances) Christie and Bill’s sons Ryan (Anita) Logan and Ty, Darren (Wendy) Hannah, Charlie and Taya; daughter Carol (Rod) Dand and children Jacquie (Gavin) Hartnoll, Chloe and Kaitlyn, Brian (Brianne) Dand, Riley, Carter, Brodie, Jennifer (Duncan) Charles, Jaden, Bentley and Kyle, Bradford (Lindsay) Dand, Liam and Mila; daughter Jo Anne Duncan and children Ashley (Ken) Harvie, Andrew, Luke and Jackson,  Rob (Tina) Duncan, Addison and Ryder, Tyler (Susan) Duncan, Abigail and Mia.  Shirley is also survived by her brother-in-law Carlo Henningsen of Racine, Wisconsin as well as nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly and kept in close contact with.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband Herb, daughter-in-law Joan Christie, sons-in-law Marland Larter and Bob Duncan.

Shirley’s family would like to thank all the caregivers that have looked after her.

A 12 o’clock noon lunch reception and a Celebration of Life will be held at the Italian Canadian Club 1511 St. Edward Blvd. N. in Lethbridge on Friday, October 6, 2023.

Flowers are gratefully declined, and that people may donate to a charity of their choice in Shirley’s name if they so wish.

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