Obituary of Shirley Ann Eckroth

Was born March 28, 1934 in Tacoma. Passed away at Garden Terrace in Federal Way April 29, 2010. Preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Mary Percich. Brothers Rudy and Jim, Sister Helen Bovitz. Survived by her devoted husband of 58 years Roy Eckroth. Daughters JoAnn (Steve) O'Farrell, Carol (John) Johnson, Paula Mooney, Laurie (Bart) Farrar. Grandchildren Sarah and RJ O'Farrell and Tyler Farrar. Her brother Joe. Service will be Thursday May 6, 2010 at St. Martin of Tours, 2303 54th Ave E. in Fife. Beginning with viewing at 10:00, Rosary 10:30, Mass 11:00 followed with a luncheon in the church hall ending with an escorted procession to Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by Piper-Morley-Mellinger Funeral Home. Shirley was born in Tacoma on March 28, 1934 to Joseph and Mary Percich. She was the youngest of five children, raised in the Slovenian North End District of Tacoma. Shirley grew up helping her beloved Dad in his garden and chicken coop with her pet pig Veron. She attended Holy Cross Grade School and graduated from Aquinas High School. She met her husband to be at the age of 17 at the Merry Max Dance Hall on 6th Ave in Tacoma. Shirley was an outstanding dancer receiving many awards. The dances she enjoyed doing included the New York Bop, the Jitterbug and the Fox Trot. Roy proposed to Shirley on February 14, 1952 with a little heart shaped box of candy, ring enclosed. Upon receiving it Shirley seemed disappointed by the size and was uninterested in opening it. Roy knew all he had to do was to get her to lift the lid. After some prompting Shirley opened and to her surprise found her ring. She screamed and ran into the house leaving Roy waiting for an answer. His answer was finalized on July 19, 1952 at Holy Cross Church with a reception following in the Slovenian Hall. 4801 S. Pine was their first home and where they welcomed their first child JoAnn. In 1956 they moved to 814 S. Winnifred and added to their family with three more daughters, Carol, Paula and Laurie. While in Tacoma the family attended St. Charles Borromeo School and parish. This was the start of many volunteer hours. Shirley worked in nursing homes while raising her daughters. After one year of Roy commuting 90 miles a day to and from work the family relocated to Seattle in 1975 with Paula and Laurie. In 1991 Shirley and Roy made their last move, ending up in the Browns Point area. It was at this time that they added to their family with Missey their beloved Yorkie. Shirley and Roy spent many years camping with their daughters and later son in laws and grandchildren. After Roy's retirement their travels expanded to exploring the United States and spent ten years in Yuma as snowbirds with Missey at their side. Traveling was a great joy for Shirley and Roy alone or with family which included Jo and Jerry, Paul and Louise. Shirley's interest included cooking, gardening, reading and talking to people. Her family has many memories of wonderful home cooked meals including Sarma, Petsies and Povatica recipes from her mother also a good cook. Delicious tender oven pot roast that melted with the touch of a fork. Apple pies were her specialty but she also made many others including Cherry and Chocolate. She was known for her flaky pie crust. In gardening she enjoyed cultivating vegetable and flower beds and her personal favorite her roses. Reading consisted of her Bible and Romance novels. Shirley talked to strangers and before 15 minutes was up she knew their life story. Shirley made many friends through the years but the one constant was her lifelong friend Laura that she had known since they were five. They spoke Slovenian to each other so no one knew what they were saying, and took great joy in this. Debbie started out as Shirley's new neighbor across the street in Brown's Point and quickly became daughter number FIVE. Shirley's cousin Jan was a steady source of comfort and friendship. They enjoyed many gatherings with their sister group. Last but never least Shirley enjoyed her grandchildren Sarah, RJ and Tyler. Shirley always wanted a son and ended up with three, Bart, Steve and John. She will be deeply missed by her loving husband, family and friends.