Shirley Joanne Henry-Kuhn, 90

Beloved mother Shirley Joanne HenryKuhn passed away peacefully in Reno, Nevada, on Feb. 16 at the age of 90.

She was a true coal miner’s daughter. She was born in Henderson Township and was raised in Big Run, the youngest of 11 (surviving) children born to Ethel Faye Deemer Henry and Joseph Newton Henry. She was the baby of the family and was named after the bubbly child actress, Shirley Temple, a characterization that she lovingly portrayed throughout her life. Though living wasn’t always easy in the hardscrabble towns of western Pennsylvania circa 1930’s, Mom didn’t know it because she was raised in a family full of love and faith.

After graduating from Big Run High School in a class of 12 students, Shirley decided it was time to explore the world and joined the U.S. Marine Corps. She was stationed at Camp Lejune, and it was during her tenure there that she became Corporal Shirley Henry. At the same time, she met the love of her life, handsome Sgt. Frank Kuhn of Baltimore.

Shirley married Frank at Saint Katherine’s Cathedral in Baltimore on Aug. 14, 1954. She was blessed with three sons while in Baltimore. She loved taking “her boys” camping in the natural beauty of Western Maryland, as well as picking black walnuts, spending family time with her in-laws at their home on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and enjoying blue crab boils with good friends.

After 12 years, the family moved to Rhode Island, where Shirley’s sister, Mary, introduced them to “Yankee”-style living in Warwick on Narragansett Bay. Shirley was well known to the neighborhood kids while working at the local McDonald’s, as well as vending her homemade arts and crafts at the annual Gaspee Days Festival. She loved everything about New England’s colonial charm and scenic splendor, but eventually moved to Huntington Beach, California, due to her husband’ a career with Mobile Exxon.

Shirley decided to pursue work as a legal secretary and took some college courses. Her charm, wit and wonderful personality landed her in a career as the admiral’s personal assistant at U.S. Coast Guard Command in Long Beach, California. Shirley was very proud of her work at the Coast Guard.

After retirement, Shirley and Frank traveled the country in their new travel trailer, touring the country in style and seeing many historical sites, destination parks and family along the way. Their travels eventually led them back to Maryland, where they were fortunate enough to purchase a lovely home on Chesapeake Bay. They moved many times to many states over the years and were always looking toward their next adventure. They ultimately landed in Reno, Nevada, in order to spend more time with their three sons.

Shirley was the last of her siblings to meet the Lord. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, and youngest son, Frank Jr. She is survived by her sons, Gregory and Timothy, and their spouses Laura and Stacey, as well as several nieces and nephews. A private family service will be held for Shirley in Reno, Nevada.

Shirley will always be remembered as a warmhearted, caring, kind and truly wonderful mother, wife, sister and friend.