Shirley Mae Doerfler Duerst
December 6, 1935-January 9, 2010
 

Shirley Mae Doerfler Duerst was born on December 6, 1935 in Silverton Oregon to Alexander and Alice Zielinski Doerfler.  She spent her entire life on her family’s farm in the Victor Point area near Silverton.  She raised her family in the century farmhouse built by her grandparents.  Shirley attended grade school at McAlpin School, Valley View School, St. Boniface School and Victor Point School.  She graduated from Silverton High School in 1954 after which she attended Marylhurst College.  On July 27, 1957, she married John Duerst of Silverton at St. Boniface Church in Sublimity.  In 2007 they celebrated 50 years together surrounded by many family members and friends.

Shirley enjoyed many activities surrounded by the love of her family and friends.  One of her greatest joys was the birth of each of her grandchildren.  She shared her extensive knowledge of family history with her children, grandchildren and her many relatives.  She enjoyed cooking for her family and devoted her life to ensuring everyone had a great meal and was well taken care of.  She also enjoyed gardening, playing the piano and accordion, caring for their dogs and visiting with family and friends.    During Shirley’s life she was active in Oregon Women for Agriculture, The McAlpin Stitchers Club, Victor Point School Parent’s Club, Silverton Zenith Woman’s Club, Marion County Home Extension, and Chapter CX PEO. 

Shirley is survived by her husband John and their sons, Bruce (Karen), Doug (Tracy) and Robert (Mindy) all of Silverton; grandchildren Trevor, Alex (Rachel), Cody (Sophia), Emily, Casey, Miranda, Dillon, Alexa and Connor; brother and sister-in-law, David and Rita Doerfler; nieces Teresa Doerfler Stackpole and Michele Doerfler Fennimore, nephew Don Doerfler; sister-in-law Fern Bachelder; nephews Mike, Dan and Roger Bachelder.    Shirley is predeceased by a grandson, Austin Duerst. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Silverton High School Alumni Association, 303 Oak Street, Silverton, OR 97381.  Viewing will be available on Thursday, January 14^th from 9am-5pm at North Santiam Funeral Service, 224 N. 3^rd Ave, Stayton, Oregon.  Rosary will be held on Thursday, January 14^th at 7:30pm at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Sublimity.  Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 15^th at 10:30am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Silverton.  Private Interment will be at Union Hill Cemetery, Sublimity, Oregon.  Serving the family North Santiam Funeral Service, Stayton.