Shirley Louise Dekens was born in Natchez, Mississippi n January 9, 1923 and passed away on July 7, 2017. She died peacefully at home in Blythe with family by her side.

She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-eight years, Ted Dekens, and her sons, Teddy Edward and Michael Guy Dekens. Also by her only sister, Mae Drake and her niece Judy Vogt.

She is survived by her eldest son, Waymen Dekens (Carolyn), five grandchildren: Shirley Waynette Dixon, Michelle Dekens, Waymen Dekens Jr., Mark Dekens and Lana Dekens Chaney.

In addition, there are nine great grandchildren and twelve great-great grandchildren: Gideon "Scooter" Johnson (Sara) and children, Kassidee and Kyler; Deonna Stephenson (Paul) and children, Malaki, Levi and Alison; Sasha Watters; Blake Chaney; Joshua Dekens (Faith) and children, Kaleb Kylie and Kaelynn, Christie Dekens and her girls, Candace, Caitlin and Margie Ruth. Also, Jennifer Hope (Jason John) and children, Bobby and KayDee; Jessica Lindquist (Tim Crain) and their daughter Brooklyn; and LeeAnn Wilson and daughter KateLynn.

Shirley is also survived by one niece, Betty Quinn, and two sister-in-laws, Georgia Dekens and Joanne Dekens. She is also survived by her very best friend in the world, Josie Cauwell - they raised their families together, comforted each other as they buried their husbands, and grew old together.

Ted and Shirley were married on July 13, 1939 and moved to Blythe in 1942,shortly after the birth of their first son, Waymen. While raising her three sons, Shirley was very active in the community. She was a cub scout leader, a catechism teacher, a member of the PTA, active member of the Alter Society, a BPOE Doe and a member of the Blythe Jr. Women's club.

She became an avid bowler and enjoyed that sport for many years. She also traveled much of the world and most of the United States with friends Shirley Kribbs and Josie Cauwell.

A visitation will be held prior to the funeral service. Services will be held Monday, July 17th at Frye Chapel at 11:00 am with burial at Palo Verde Cemetery beside her husband and sons.