Shirley M. Chandler

Violet Shirley Monroe Chandler, 86, passed away peacefully June 15, 2014.

Shirley was born February 13, 1928, to Lawrence A. and Lydia Ramer Monroe in Pocatello, Idaho. She lived in Aberdeen, American Falls, Blackfoot and Pocatello, graduating from Pocatello High School. Shirley received her teaching certificate from Idaho State College.

Shirley married her high school sweetheart, Maxce Call Chandler, in the Idaho Falls, Idaho Temple on June 17, 1949. They started their married life in Lovell, Wyoming where she taught school and Max worked for the JC Penney Company. As Max built his career with the Penney Company, there were many moves, beginning and ending in Pocatello. Wherever they went she was always known as "Max's Shirley".

Max and Shirley were parents to seven children: Bill, Carol, Elaine, Donald, Mary, Lewis and Rodney. On May 20, 1974, Max passed away. Shirley never wavered in her strength and love for her family. She supported the children in their activities and taught them to love the Lord. Shirley was the strong matriarch of the Chandler family.

Shirley was blessed with a beautiful soprano voice and shared her talent with all; singing at church, weddings, funerals and community events. She was a valiant member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. Our Mother had a strong testimony and love for her Savior Jesus Christ, and showed it in every part of her life. Service was as natural to her as breathing. Shirley loved those she served and set an example for all her descendants to follow. She served in the Washington D.C. South Mission, and grew to love the Cambodian, Laotian and Vietnamese people.

Mother loved crafts, always had a project in the works, and was well known for her clothes pin dolls. She was an expert seamstress, creating and remaking many wedding and prom dresses. Many loved ones are the recipients of her handiwork. Shirley was the original owner of Tuxedos Now and operated it for several years and sewed and tied quilts using the outdated cummerbunds. She never wasted anything, but always found a way to use what she had.

Shirley loved life, and her greatest joy was spending time with her children and their spouses, 34 grandchildren, 58 great- grandchildren, with 6 more arriving this year.

She is survived by her children: Bill (Heidi) Chandler, Carol (Gordon) Lambert, Elaine (John) Wilker, Don (Lori) Chandler, Mary (Scott) Blackham, Lewis (Susan) Chandler, Rodney (Carrie) Chandler, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sister, Norma Jenson, and brother, D.L. Monroe.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Maxce, parents, and one granddaughter, Anjelica Chandler.

Shirley was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services for Shirley will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 21, 2014 at Pocatello Central Stake LDS Chapel, 40 Oakwood Drive, with Bishop Gerald Holmes conducting. A viewing will be held from 6:30-8:30 PM Friday evening at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road, and 12:30-1:30 PM prior to the services at the church. The interment will follow the services at Mountain View Cemetery.