Shirley Sisk

Published 8:00 am Monday, January 28, 2019

November 1, 1933 – January 8, 2019

Shirley Sue entered this world on November 1, 1933, in Mountain View, Oklahoma, born to Thomas Lewis and Cora Carrell Gibson. Moving from Oklahoma to Colorado at 8 years old, she grew up in the idyllic mountains around Breckenridge, at that time a sleepy mountain town. Her bright red hair stood out, as did she with her winning smile and competitive spirit. Popular, athletic and intelligent, it was not surprising that she caught Alfred Sisk’s eye, and began a love story that lasted a lifetime.

She passed on to more life on January 8, 2019. Family, friends and faith mattered most, and the life that Shirley and Al wove together was rich in love, music, service to their church and community. With four active children, a menagerie of pets, Shirley was a creative homemaker long before Martha Stewart declared it fashionable. Her love of life was perhaps most evident at holidays, especially if there were grandchildren or great-grandchildren present. Delighting in the decorations, music and food, she was in her element when surrounded by people, whether hosting the annual Christmas Caroling party or her bridge club. Shirley’s faith was lived more than talked about. An active participant in the Methodist Church in Sonora, California, and in Bend, her final church community was First Presbyterian in Prineville. Whether singing in the choir, or serving on committees, volunteering with her PEO Chapter, or driving meals on wheels, she did not hesitate to help others in small and large ways. Curious and adventurous, Shirley loved to travel. She loved to see new things, whether on family road trips or Sunday drives in the country to see newborn lambs and piglets. She and Al explored the world with their great friends, the Cunninghams and Appletons. Shirley has traveled on, to light up different rooms with her vibrant smile and vivacious personality.

She is survived by her children, Pamela Armstrong (Richard), Megan Rau (Wesley), and Rand Sisk (Christopher Oliphant); six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many friends who miss her.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on February 2, at 11:00 a.m., at Prineville First Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Habitat for Humanity, First Presbyterian Church Prineville, or the Heifer Project.