Shirley Ambrose

Shirley Ann Ball Ambrose died October 2nd, 2020, at her beloved farm near Pocatello, ID, the location where she grew up and to which she returned in retirement. Her husband of 68 years, Tommy W Ambrose, died in January of 2020.

She leaves behind her three daughters, Leslie, Julie, and Pamela, and grandchildren Shira and Joshua. Besides Tommy, she is preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Cynthia Guyer.

Shirley was born on February 13th, 1928, to Pearl and Frank Ball. She grew up on their farm, helping with farm chores, participating in 4H, reading for hours on end, and riding her horse, Joe.

After graduating from Pocatello High, she went to Idaho State University for 2 years, then went on to get her Bachelors of Fine Arts in English at the University of Idaho in Moscow. She joined the Alpha Chi Omega sorority where she made friends she would have for her whole life. A sorority sister, Kathleen Stevens, and Kathleen's beau, Dean Stevens, introduced Shirley to Tommy Ambrose. It was a successful match!

After graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1950, Shirley taught all grades at the school in North Powder, Oregon. The following June, she and Tommy were married in Pocatello, and then moved to Richland, Washington, where Tommy went to work for General Electric at Hanford.

Shirley loved ballet. As a young woman, she danced with a troupe in Sun Valley and went on to teach ballet in Richland. She also acted as choreographer for the Light Opera in Richland for productions including Damn Yankees, Blithe Spirit, and Most Happy Fella.

As Tommy's career advanced, Shirley acted as the consummate hostess, furthering his career through her social acumen. She loved to cook, collected hundreds of cook books, and hosted many dinner parties. She assumed much of the practical responsibility for raising their three daughters. She instilled in them a love of the arts, particularly music and dance, leading to many years of driving girls to rehearsals and performances. (Two daughters went on to graduate with performance degrees from renowned conservatories.)

Shirley was also interested in travel. While her children were growing up, the family enjoyed trips around the west, including annual trips to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. Later, Shirley and Tommy traveled abroad, including to Europe and Asia. Shirley and Tommy built three houses and extensively remodeled three more. Much of the design work, as well as the project management, was undertaken by Shirley.

When Tommy retired, they extensively renovated the farm house where Shirley had grown up, a true labor of love.

Donations in Shirley's memory may be made to the University of Idaho.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family under the "Tribute Wall" tab above.