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Shirley M. Best, 76, our wonderful wife, loving mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 3, 2012. The daughter of Charlie O. and Edith McCullough; Shirley Mae entered this world December 19, 1935.

During her childhood, Shirley’s parents worked for Kaiser Shipyards in Portland, Ore., building Liberty Ships for World War II. Her family then moved to the Grand Coulee area, where she was a member of the 1953, Coulee Dam High School graduating class. Shirley’s next and greatest adventure began on August 10, 1953 when she married Bert E. Best in Ephrata, Wash. Students of the Lincoln, Idaho, and Sagle, Idaho schools had the opportunity to enjoy District Head Cook Shirley Best’s wonderful recipes. Aside from her culinary ability, Shirley made wonderful crocheted items which she would sell at area bazaars and enjoyed growing her beautiful flowers. Her greatest joy though was spending time with her family and loved spoiling her grandchildren.

Predeceased by her brother: Robert McCullough; Shirley’s legacy lives on through her beloved husband of 58 years Bert Best at home in Grand Coulee; son Jeff Best (Evelyn) of Taylorsville, Utah; daughters: Vicki Peterson of Sandpoint, Idaho, Sherry Howard (Rick) of Anchorage, Alaska, and Sandra Lynn Morrison (Pat) of Irrigon, Ore .; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life graveside inurnment will be held at the Spring Canyon Cemetery, Grand Coulee, on Friday, August 10, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Paul Wagner officiating.

Strate Funeral home of Grand Coulee, Washington is caring for the family. Please sign her online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com.