Shirley Marie Stoker

BURLEY – Shirley Marie Stoker, a 95-year-old resident of Burley, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on her birthday, Monday, February 10, 2025.

Shirley was born February 10, 1930, in Ventura, California, to Wayne Wallingford and Edna Schneider Wallingford. As a result of health complications from childbirth, Shirley’s mother, Edna, tragically passed away just 15 days after Shirley was born. This tragedy also left her father, Wayne, and six-year-old sister, Bernice, without a wife and mother. Edna had formerly made acquaintance with Dr. J H Plank and his wife, Ida Mae, while boarding at their home in Rupert, Idaho, while performing studies there. Upon receiving news from Wayne of the death of Edna, arrangements were made for Ida Mae to board a train to Ventura, California, and bring little Shirley back to Rupert where she would be raised by Dr. and Mrs. Plank from that point on in her life.

Shirley attended high school and graduated from Burley High School the class of 1948. She received the distinction of Job’s Daughters Honored Queen. She worked for a time in the ticket booth at the Burley Theatre and one night after a performance she spotted famous actor, Henry Fonda, entering a restaurant across from the theatre. She followed him in and obtained his autograph on a napkin, which she was always proud of. Not long after graduation, she laid eyes on Gene Ellsworth Stoker returning from military service in his U.S. Marines uniform and was smitten by his handsome appearance in uniform. The couple were married May 15, 1949, which union lasted almost 70 years until Gene’s passing in 2019.

Shirley was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, which afforded her many opportunities to serve, worship and participated in various ways. She enjoyed reading, puzzles, and playing the piano; she was an excellent homemaker and a wonderful cook and baker.

Shirley and Gene enjoyed many years of square dancing, ballroom dancing, playing Bridge, golf and traveling together. They spent 20 years traveling south for the winters to Arizona and always cherished the friendships made and experiences had there. She held these dear memories close to her heart.

Shirley is survived by her daughters, Sandra Robertson-Hauptmann of Eagle, Idaho, and Vicki (Gary) Warrick of Hooper, Utah; and her daughter-in-law, Karen Stoker of Filer. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Nicole (Matt) Cantrill of Boise, Angela (Matt) Graff of Hailey, Gregory (Erin) Robertson of Meridian, Jeremy Warrick of Roy, Utah, Nicholas Warrick of Herriman, Utah, Jeffrey (Brittany) Warrick of Mesa, Arizona, and Lance Warrick of North Salt Lake, Utah; and seven great-grandchildren, Holden Cantrill, Sawyer Cantrill, Harper Graff, Braelynne Warrick, Rylan Warrick, Waylon Warrick, and Cash Robertson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, both biological and acting; her husband, Gene; her son, Randy Stoker; and her sister, Bernice Fox.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 19, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 20, at Paul Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Rupert United Methodist Church, located at 605 H St., in Rupert. Pastor Brenda Sene will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Rupert United Methodist Church.

Our family would like to thank hospice and all of the caregivers and neighbors that have been so helpful and kind to our mother over the years. She was truly blessed to have you all in her life.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/L2Vn8naZ6Lw.