Shirley (Miner) Childress

Shirley Jean Miner was born in Mill Run Pennsylvania on March 17, 1935.  She was always proud to say she was a Coal Miners Daughter. And she always enjoyed celebrating her St. Patty’s day birthday. Her family moved to Connellsville and that is where Shirley grew up.  They had a large family Mary Ann, Donald, Dolores, Hughey, Shirley, Connie, Regis, Carolyn, & Brenda were born to Susie Bertha (Rosnick) & Wesley John Miner.   Donald died of diphtheria at the age of 5 in 1930.

The family grew up in the Evangelical United Brethren Church which was just around the corner from their house. When she moved to Oregon she was a member of the Beaverton Methodist Church and later Scholls Community Church.  She also attended church in Redmond but we do not have the name of the church. 

Shirley graduated in 1953 from Connellsville High School.

She worked at the Bell Telephone after high school as a switchboard operator. It was a very good job for women in those days. Everyone’s phone was answered by an operator which they connected you to your party.  The ladies wore dresses bought at the dress shops in town, hose and heels every day. When she went to Oregon she worked in a doctor’s office as a receptionist switchboard operator. 

Shirley met Ken around 1954 they were married and had 3 children, John, Doug & Debbie.

Of course the telephone companies then split. Bell became General Telephone Comp. So the switchboard operators were eliminated, then she worked in the phone company at other positions until she retired. She took a leave of absence from GTE when they purchased Weece’s Market in Gresham.  It was a mom & pop store and the entire family worked in the store.  After selling the store they moved to Prineville then back to Beaverton and Shirley went back to GTE.    She was one of GTE’s top salespersons winning awards and prizes.

Later in years after retirement she volunteered at St. Vincent’s hospital helping people in whose family members during the time between operation and recovery room. It was called a transforming volunteer. She belonged to the hospital auxiliary.  And was a Candy Striper when she was younger.

They owned several filbert farms and she would go out and collect nuts and dry them under the woodstove. She always enjoyed walking the dogs in the nut orchards. Snoopy, Fred, Bear, Scotty and Isabella.

One of her loves was gardening.  She loved flowers in all kinds and colors, in particular Roses and Peonies.  Her gardens were always so beautiful.   

She loved art even in high school.  She was an accomplished artist and painter

She took classes in knitting, sewing, & painting.  She also loved to golf.

She loved her family and enjoyed taking her grandchildren shopping at Washington Square when they lived in Beaverton.  Many trips to Farrell’s ice cream parlor were enjoyed.  One of her most favorite places to be was at the beach.  She owned her own beach house for a time.

She is preceded in death by her Daughter Debbie (Vince) Tilden; Ex Husband, Kenneth Childress; Sisters, MaryAnn (Frank)Donnadio; Dolores Miner; Brothers,  Donald Miner Hughey Miner; Regis Miner;  And her beloved Scotty Dog

She is survived by; Her Sons: John (Jeri) Childress, Prineville; Doug (JoAnne) Childress, Redmond; Sisters Connie Miner, Carolyn (Terry) Means; & Brenda (Bob) Ryan

Grand Children, John (Brenda)Childress; Jeanne (Tim) Pickens; Joy (Johnny) Anderson;

Jeff (Alida Verity) Childress; Kenny Childress

Great Grandchildren Andrew & Addison Childress; Tuker & Bailey Pickens; & Ryder Childress

Numerous Nieces & Nephews

Here is a funny story that Cookie (Carolyn Remembers about Shirley)

When you grow up in a big family there are many stories you have together and one

that Shirley and Connie always laughed about but neither omitted to initiate the crime. 

Our mother made delicious chocolate fudge, which was a great treat to all of us. 

In our living room was a closet built into the wall that wasn't opened all the time and it was cool there. 

Mother always poured her fudge on this platter put it into the closet until ready. 

Shirley and Connie decided no one would miss a little spoonful so they indulged.

It was really good so between the two of them they made several trips with

their spoons.  Until there was no more.

Never heard if they got punished or sick. Like I said neither ever owned up to whose idea that first spoonful was. They both just laughed.

I Love you Shirley from Cookie

Message from Brenda, Shirley’s youngest sister

Shirley was a loving sister whom was very talented. I will cherish her wooden flowers she painted for me forever. She always updated us on her children and grandchildren. I remember the day she called to say I can't believe I'm going to be a great-grand mother. Distance, health, and family obligations kept us miles apart, but in our hearts we all loved and cared for each other. Rest in Peace. Love Brenda

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