Steinhoff
Shirley Louise Steinhoff was born on the farm in Forestburg, Alta. on March 23, 1938 to Lottie and Tabor Ross.
She was the youngest of 10 siblings.
Shirley attended primary and secondary school at Forestburg Consolidated School then went on to Edmonton for her teacher’s education in Home Economics.
She taught in Heisler, Killam and then back to Forestburg.
Shirley married her love, Allan Steinhoff on Aug. 11, 1962.
Shirley then moved with Allan to the family farm southwest of Donalda, Alta. where she settled into life teaching at the Donalda School.
While living on the farm, Shirley was a talented homemaker and gardener!
Together with Allan, they welcomed three children: Bradley (1964), Beverley (1967) and Sandra (1969).
They lived on the farm until 2000 when they moved to the town of Stettler.
Shirley was a big sportswoman enjoying softball, bowling, curling, waterskiing, horseshoe, bean bag, golf and card-playing most of her life and then in the later years, spectator sports of curling, golf and baseball on TV!
Shirley was blessed with a narrow frame and enjoyed fashion and hairstyles throughout the ages. She had them all!
Over the years, her love of gardening and cooking showed through with her many large meals prepared for family celebrations, friends’ parties and community events!
She was a big entertainer and loved to plan and host parties, which she and Allan did many times.
She was active in the community, volunteering for several Donalda celebrations.
Shirley and Allan were travel enthusiasts and enjoyed many big trips all over the world.
They were snowbirds in Mesa, Arizona, for 25 years.
She had two son-in-laws, one from Norway and the other from Italy.
Recently, Shirley and Allan had many visits to family in Vancouver and Fairmont Hot Springs.
Shirley was a good friend to many.
She had a great zest for life and being happy!
Many of the family summers were spent with Donalda families camping at Buffalo Lake, waterskiing, playing bean bag and staying up late around the campfire.
Shirley’s greatest devotion and her legacy is her family. She believed very much that “The Love of a Family is Life’s Greatest Blessing.”
Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband Allan, her children Bradley (Roberta), Beverley (Vittorio) and Sandy (Arild).
Also cherishing her memory are her grandchildren Janine (Trevor), Bailey (Cole), Drew, Ashling and Nikolai and her greatgrandchildren, Josephine and Haisley (Janine’s).
She is also survived by her brother Earl Ross, sister Blanche Graumann, sisters-in-law Carol Ross and Leona Ross, many nieces, nephews and family and special friends.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents Lottie and Tabor, her brothers Charles, Harold and Calvin and her sisters, Gladys, Eunice, Vesta and Grace. And most recently a very special cousin, Kirk McEwing.
A celebration of Shirley’s life was held on Oct. 26, 2019 at Stettler Funeral Home with Pastor Ross Helgeton officiating.
Judy Dinsmore and Judy Sware gave loving tributes.
A beautiful pictorial presentation of Shirley’s family, friends and travels was presented.
Interment took place at Donalda Cemetery where she was laid to rest.
Bruce Salmon, Pat Dinsmore, Joe Graumann, Trevor Whamond, Duane Pochylko and Keith McElhinney served as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers were her granddaughters: Janine Dalueg, Bailey Steinhoff, Ashling Hansen and Drew Rouse; grandson Nikolai Hansen and great-granddaughters Josephine and Haisley Whamond.
Family and friends gathered for a time of fellowship and refreshments in the Heartland Reception Centre served by Teresa’s Catering and staff.
Memorial donations may be made to the Donalda Cemetery and condolences can be sent to the family at www.stettlerfuneralhome.com.
Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium entrusted with the care and the funeral arrangements, 403-742-3422.
