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110 East 12th Street
Vancouver, Washington
SHIRLEY A. BARGER GRABNER
June 8, 1948 ~ December 1, 2013
Long-time teacher, Shirley A. Grabner, 65, died on Sun., Dec. 1, 2013, at Ray Hickey Hospice House in Vancouver, WA. She was born on June 8, 1948, in Colfax, WA, as the oldest of four children to Allan C. and Marilyn (Catherman) Barger. When she was young, they lived in Vancouver, where her father taught at Evergreen High School. They moved to Port Orchard where she graduated from South Kitsap High in 1966.
At the University of Washington, Shirley majored in education and theatre and graduated in 1972. She chose to become a teacher and follow the career of her father and grandparents. Over the next 38 years, she taught children in grades K-8, in Tukwila and then Vancouver, and also coached volleyball and basketball. After moving to Vancouver in 1980, she first taught at Lady of the Lourdes and then Silver Star Elementary in Evergreen Schools, where she received the PTA Lifetime Achievement Award. After 22 years at Silver Star, she retired in 2010.
On Aug. 16, 1996, Shirley married Richard L. Grabner in Las Vegas, NV. They bought their home in Vancouver, where they have lived for the last 17 years.
In 1999, in addition to teaching, Shirley became an Interior Designer and in 2006 completed the Feng Shui Consultant Training Program. She became a most sought-after Consultant, writing four books to explain Feng Shui and its applications.
Surviving Shirley are her husband, Richard Grabner; stepson, Scott Grabner of Portland, OR; step-daughter, Richelle Grabner and grandson, Michael Grabner, of Battle Ground, WA; her father, Allan C. Barger, brother, Winslow Barger, sister, Barbara (Frederick) Bugenig, niece, Jordan Barger, nephews, John Allan Barger, Benjamin F. and Joshua Bugenig, all of Puyallup, WA; mother-in-law, Patricia (Gil) Kopplin, Eugene, OR; brother-in-law, Fred (Joyce) Grabner of Dumfries, VA; many cousins; and many friends will also miss her.
Her mother Marilyn Barger; and brother, Fred A. Barger, predeceased her.
The service will be held at Salmon Creek United Methodist Church on Sat., Dec. 14, at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Shirley Grabner Memorial Fund for Children of Silver Star Elementary at Wells Fargo Bank.
Please sign her guestbook at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Shirley you were my best friend. We did a lot of crazy things growing up but most of all we enjoyed life and our families. I will truley miss you. I will have the wonderful memory of you, Rick and I laughing over our last cup of coffee together. God Bless you for being my friend. Love you always Bernice
Bernice Welch
December 29, 2013
Weren't we ALL blessed by Shirley?! I was blessed to have Shirley as my cousin; she was always sunshine and Love personified...fun...laughter...and caring. I cherish you, Shirley. Always, Mary
December 16, 2013
Barb
December 15, 2013
Go to my facebook a tribute to wife Shirley My Special Angel
December 14, 2013
It was a special blessing to know our cousin Shirley. She loved life and cared so much about others. It is precious to read all the notes from former students who loved her and it is apparent how much "Mrs. Grabner" impacted their lives. What a tribute to her of a life dedicated to helping children! We are grateful for the times we had with her. We long for the time when God, in His due time, will wipe away all tears and sorrows and death will no longer plague the human family. We pray for His Kingdom to come and for the blessings to flow to all. Sending love and hugs to you, Richard, in your time of sorrow.
Lovingly, Earleine (cousin)
December 13, 2013
Richard, sending prayers to you and your family, unfortunately I never met Shirley but she sounds like an incredible lady. Thinking of you, Sandy Main Yaniw-class of '64.
December 12, 2013
Deepest sympathy for your loss. What a fulfilling life she led, and she was lucky to have you.
Cheryl Gribskov
December 12, 2013
you will forever be in my heart
heather dascenzo
December 11, 2013
I had the pleasure of having Mrs. Grabner as my second grade teacher. She has made such a positive impact on my life. She was a great teacher and was always so kind to everyone.I will forever remember her and the great memories of my second grade year i shared with her.All 3 of my siblings and me got the chance of meeting her. Broke my heart to read her passing. </3
Heather Dascenzo
December 11, 2013
Mrs. Grabner was one of my favorite teachers at silver star and I had great memories with her in second grade when she taught me. She was always so wonderful and nice to her students, I will never forget her.
Holly Dascenzo
December 11, 2013
Mrs. Grabner taught our daughter at Silver Star Elementary 10+ years ago and she was wonderful. We couldn't have asked for a better educator. She was caring, professional, and made learning fun for our daughter. She was also a very patient stage director who dedicated countless hours to putting on school plays that we always enjoyed. God Bless her. She will be missed.
Anthony & Daphne Alexander
December 11, 2013
Shirley was a wonderful teacher and Person, that I had the honor of volunteering in her classroom for 8 years. We became friends that continued long after my children left Silver Star. I will miss her smile & laughter. Shirley loved the children she taught & they loved her. You will be missed my friend but I take comfort in knowing I will see you again one day. I send my love & prayers to Shirley's family & Rick.
Nori Hoover
December 11, 2013
Ms. Grabner had a great impact on everyone she came in contact with. She was always so happy to help. She touched my life and I will never ever forget her.
Codey Ulsh
December 10, 2013
Shirley's Love for the Lord shown through her twinkling bright eyes, her angelic smile, her quick wit, and sweet laughter, she is and always will be "A One of a Kind By GOD'S Design" Those who had the privilege of having their live's touched by hers were truly blessed. With all my Love, cousin Judy.
December 10, 2013
my heart is broken-- mrs.grabner was my second grade teacher and every year up to her retiring in 2010 I would go back to visit her. She was the most amazing person I have ever met. Rest In Peace
You will never be forgotten.
Brittney Rayburn
December 10, 2013
Mrs. Grabner was my second grade teacher and she was one of my favorite teacher's at Silver Star. I will miss her so much and will always remember the good times I had with her and when I helped out in her classroom for my Senior project and it was with her class and I loved it so much. I will miss her hugs and always seeing her smile and she will always remain in my heart forever. I love you Mrs. Grabner and may you rest in peace and I will always remember you <3
Hailey Anderson
December 10, 2013
You will be greatly missed Mrs. Grabner. You were an amazing lady and extraordinary teacher! I am so glad that I had the opportunity to have you as a teacher in my life. I hope that one day I will be able to be just as great of a teacher. You will forever be remembered.
Amanda Hatton
December 10, 2013
The absolute best teacher I ever had. One of the only parts of my childhood I remember and cherish. My condolences...*hugs*
Kelsey Holtz
December 10, 2013
Mrs. Grabner was a wonderful teacher and I'm honored to have had her as a teacher in my life. She was one of my favorite teachers and when I came later after moving on, from Silver Star Elementary and at the time I was a junior at Heritage High School, I happen to catch her subbing one day and talked to her about my plans, she was so excited to hear my plans and excited to see me as I was to see her. She will be greatly missed and may she rest in peace.
Darian Evans
December 9, 2013
The world has lost an amazing person and I am so deeply saddened. Mrs. Grabner you were an amazing teacher and a I looked forward to seeing you whenever I came to the school for/with my girls. Nicole has said that you were, by far, her favorite teacher and that you taught her so much about life. There is a huge void with you gone but I know that you are at peace.
Cathy Phillips
December 9, 2013
I'm really sorry to hear of Mrs. Grabner's passing. Three of my kids were honored to be taught by her at Silver Star. All of them say she was one of their favorite teachers. My oldest daughter, about to graduate this year, connected with Mrs. Grabner and Mrs. Grabner was the first teacher to really "get" my daughter. I remember volunteering in her classroom when Johnny Streeter passed away and how hard that day was, but Mrs. Grabner was a rock through her tears, and a source of comfort for the kids. My sincere condolences to her family.
Love,
The Thompsons
Tracie Thompson
December 9, 2013
Shirley touched the lives of many. I am glad I had the pleasure of knowing her. Even though she may be gone she will always remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
Debbie Ellsworth
December 9, 2013
You are our shining light still! Your books will be an inspiration and help to many and I will try to get them published. We miss you so much but know that you are at peace in a better place. God bless you, Shirley. We feel your presence around us each day as we plan for your special celebration.
Bea & Lyman Ritter
December 8, 2013
You were one amazing lady Shirley Grabner, you will be missed by all who was lucky enough to have known you. Our hearts and prayers are surrounding you and your family.
Carrol and Carrol Ritter
December 8, 2013
Shirley was more than a teacher. She was a special lady, advisor, friend, and strong shoulder to lean or cry on. We (Shelby and I) were very blessed to have had the opportunity to have had her in our lives. She touched so many hearts and will be missed dearly. May she now be in peace. <3
Sheri Powell
December 8, 2013
There was just something special in Shirley where she could make all children feel loved and special. Their day became better and they felt more successful once she gave them her unending smile and words of encouragement and praise. Her friends knew they were lucky to have her in their lives as well. I will miss you, Shirley...
Loresa Kreig
December 8, 2013
Shirley, co-worker, co-director, friend, and sometimes 'mom.' I will miss that smile of yours and your laughter. Sending love to you and Rick and your family. I know your positive energy will be there always.
Jone MacCulloch
December 8, 2013
Shirley was such a shining light and she will be so very missed. My condolences.
Beverly Larson
December 8, 2013
Love you Shirley. You are a beautiful soul, may you keep shining. ?
Susan Overand
December 8, 2013
May your family and friends feel surrounded by God's love and the love of all who know you.
Norene Harvey
December 7, 2013
Shirley was indeed a bright star during her time on earth with us, and will undoubtably continue to shine even brighter now, being above! She was always a delight, and joined conversations with positive energy and comments. Her presence and gentle way of being will be sorely missed. Love to you dear Shirley!
I'm sorry for your loss Barger. I pray for comfort and happy memories to fill you and your family's hearts!
Carrol Scholz
December 7, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
peggy fix
December 7, 2013
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