Shirley Wall

Shirley was born on Dec. 21, 1933, to George and Hazel Merrill in Casper, Wyoming. Her early life included cold winter walks to school in the snow, close friendships, skating and piano lessons and the ever-present card games to while away those winter days at home, especially with her father. She was an excellent student, skipping a grade when her family moved to California. The personal strengths she developed as a child sustained her throughout her life. She moved to Honolulu soon after her senior year in high school where her father, a civil servant, was transferred. After a whirlwind courtship, she married Bill Corley in1952. Twelve years later they divorced, and she raised her family of three children by herself: Christine Milner, Stephen Corley and Susan Bobay. She provided for her family with a job with State Farm Insurance Company. She demonstrated resiliency and determination as she selflessly provided a warm and loving home for her children amid adverse circumstances. As her children reflect on that time, they are so grateful for the sacrifices she made for them. Her faith helped to carry her through and remained a sustaining force throughout her life. She married the true love of her life, Theodore Wall, in 1984. Ted was an integral part of her children’s lives, and they all adored him. Ted and Shirley greatly enjoyed their home in Laguna Beach, where they cultivated dear friendships. They also traveled regularly together, most often enjoying time in Palm Desert and Oahu. Ted died in 2008 and was greatly missed by her children and his children; Aletha Green, Steve Wall and Carolyn Juanita Richmond (deceased). In 1983, she became a doting grandma to Amy, and then Kevin, John Paul, Robbie and Will. She was fondly called Grandy and what a grand lady she was! Her kindness, generosity, and happy disposition became an anchor to the family. Her sense of style, wide-open love for everyone in her family, love of travel and devotion to Ted made her our focal point at family gatherings. Her grandkids in Santa Barbara remember with great fondness waiting for Ted and Shirley to arrive for Christmas wearing Santa hats and loaded with presents. She was proud to also be Grandy to the spouses of her children and grandchildren; Brian, Stephanie, Brandon, Joanna, and Jordan. After the passing of Ted, she met and married Andy Peat and enjoyed a later marriage of travel and companionship. Widowed again in 2020, she embarked on a new era of life without a spouse. Her personal strength and kind disposition were again evident as she navigated this difficult time of transition and coped with a gradual decline in health. She moved to Santa Barbara in 2020 to be closer to her children and our family deeply appreciated her time at Heritage House until her death due to a stroke on April 28, 2025. Shirley Wall was such a lovely person, through and through. Her goodness shone brightest as she navigated her illness and aged with dignity. She was happiest playing cards, sitting on her deck enjoying flowers, listening to music, and seeing and hearing about her kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren (Jaden, Cooper, Luke, Blake and Nina). She made everyone visiting feel like they were the most important person in the world to her. She will be deeply missed!

Shirley Wall

December 21, 1933 - April 28, 2025