Obituaries

Merrily Ruth Waring Shirey

Obituary

Merrily’s positive demeanor, twinkling blue eyes and bright smile brought a sense of Life is Good, every time she entered a room. Even though she lived with a great deal of pain, there was always a cheery lift in her voice and a joyful chuckle ready to spring forth.

Merrily Ruth Waring Shirey was born June 5, 1942, in Portland, Oregon to Marvin and Ruth Waring. Little sister Judith followed a year later. The family moved to Newport, Oregon in 1946 where they continued to grow, adding brothers Barton, Steve and Ted. Her brothers will attest that she loved her role as big sister and tickler-in-chief.

  

Being the firstborn, Merrily was a natural leader who loved all twelve years of school in Newport. She was in many clubs and the Honor Society.  Merrily went on to Linfield College where she received her Bachelor’s in Biology. College life suited her well, and Merrily could always be found in the cheer section supporting her team. Over the years she returned many times to the Newport and Linfield reunions.

  

After graduating Merrily took professional courses in San Francisco to prepare her for her life’s work as a specialized hospital laboratory technician, and she took great pride in her important role helping to heal others. She worked for Providence of Seattle for 28 years.

 

Merrily loved cooking, entertaining and being with family, doing her best to maintain a connection with all her aunties, uncles and cousins. Her competitive side got her many blue ribbons at the county and state fairs for her food and flower entries. Merrily became an expert Dahlia grower. Those lovely flowers brought her many awards at important flower shows where she went on to become a certified dahlia judge. Her love of photography and art brought joy to all who were blessed to receive her framed work. Merrily was an enthusiastic church member and enjoyed activities with her many friends in the singles group.

 

On August 28, 1965, Merrily married Robert William Hall in Salem, Oregon. They were married for 15 years and lived in Seattle and Edmonds, Washington. Beloved daughter Debi was born to their union in March of 1973 while they were living in Seattle. 

 

Merrily met Michael Olin Shirey in the early 1990’s and married on November 12, 1994. Michael preceded Merrily in death after a long illness in May of 2006.

Merrily is survived by daughter, Debi Escobar (Jesus); stepchildren Mike and Eric Shirey, Debi Daniels (Shirey) and Andi Hansen (Shirey); grandchildren Briana, Jesse and Andrés Escobar, step-grandchildren McKaylin Wood (Shirey), RJ Shirey, Mason and Garrett Daniels, Jona and Mira Hansen; great-granddaughter Aria Escobar and step-great-grandson Sebastian Wood (Shirey); sister Judith Smith, brothers Barton, Steve (Joyce) and Ted (Nancy) Waring; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Merrily moved from her home in Lynnwood, Washington to Cascadian Independent Senior Living in 2017, which is where she resided until her death. She participated in most activities offered; however, nothing compared to her independence of driving and getting away to take pictures of the Cascades or going to Seattle for the day.

Despite her wish of getting a new body, her heart and mind stayed curious and active. She truly loved life and will greatly be missed. Merrily passed away into the arms of her loving Savior on April 23, 2025.