Shirley Ann Cate

Shirley Ann Cate of Puyallup, Washington, passed away at the age of 86, on October 24, 2020, surrounded by loved ones.  Shirley (Tupper) was born in Iowa on December 20, 1933.  Her family moved to Chehalis where she was raised.  Shirley married Jerry Cate on February 3, 1952, and they had three children, Nyla, Jerry Neil, and Myra.  Shirley and Jerry became foster parents in 1968 to Ron Sears and raised him as part of their family.  Shirley had a second chance at love after Jerry passed away when she re-connected with a school mate, Mel Eklund, at her high school reunion.  Mel and Shirley were together for 14 years and enjoyed many happy times together.

Shirley was a loving mother, wife, and friend.  She ran a mini-storage business for over 40 years, and her customers often became her friends.  Shirley had a generous spirit and a good sense of humor.  She enjoyed ballroom dancing, traveling, exercising and was an avid reader. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Jerry and her daughter Nyla.  She is survived by her son Jerry Neil Cate, daughter Myra Marshall, foster son Ron Sears (wife Lisa), grandchildren Heidi Hickok, Brett Redford, Holly Zigler, Rob Sears, and Taryn Sears, six great-grandchildren, and son-in-law Doug Redford.  She is also survived by her love, Mel Eklund, and his daughter Lynda and her husband, Arne, who were like family.

Private services will be held at a future date.

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