Shirley was born to Edward and Erna (Spitzer) Fauth on March 24, 1937, on the family farm near Leola, S.D. She and her brother, Merlin, grew up on the farm. After graduating from Leola High School, she attended the School of Business in Rapid City, receiving a secretarial certificate in business. She started her career as the private secretary for the manager of the Hotel Alex Johnson.
Shirley met her husband, Paul, when he returned from Korea after serving in the U.S. Marine Corp. They met while cruising in downtown Rapid City. Paul rolled down his window and asked Shirley to meet at the American Legion and she said, "Yes."
Shirley was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She showered unconditional love upon her immediate and extended family. She was constantly giving of herself. She was a stay-at-home mom while her children were growing up. She then began working for the Rapid City ISD at Robbinsdale Elementary, where she showered more love on the staff and children. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her husband, Paul, of 55 years, Rapid City; daughter, Terri Gibeau Birnbaum, Rapid City; son, Kenny (Julie) Gibeau, Hudson, Colo.; brother, Merlin (Shirley) Fauth, Rapid City; five grandchildren, Nathan and Amelia Birnbaum, Paul, Alex, and Faith Gibeau; one great-grandson, Gavin Birnbaum; brother-in-law, Jack (Kathy) Gibeau; and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Ken and Ava Gibeau; grandson, Johnathan in 1988; and granddaughter, Hailey Ann in 1990.
Memorials have been established to The Cancer Care Institute and Rapid City Regional Hospital Home Health.
Memorial visitation will be Monday, Nov. 5, 2012, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Kirk Funeral Home, with a Christian wake service starting at 6:30 p.m.
Mass of Christian burial will be Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, at 10 a.m. at St. Therese the Little Flower Catholic Church, with Father Bill Zandri officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D.
Family and friends may sign Shirley's online guestbook at kirkfuneralhome.com.