Shirley Parnell Mikkelsen died peacefully on January 28, 2023, she was 96 years old. She was born in Topeka, Kansas on September 28, 1926. Her parents were Harry and Aleene (Rhoads) Parnell. Shirley married LRay Mikkelsen on November 29, 1947, in Richland, Washington. They had two children, Katherine (b. 1948) and Kenneth (b. 1950). She became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she mad many friends to visit and go on family adventures.

Shirley and LRay moved to Vernita in 1957. She worked as a payroll clerk at Priest Rapids dam for a few years.

In 1964 they moved to The Dalles, Oregon where she perfected one of her favorite activities, camping. Initially it was tent camping and then advancing to trailer camping. Once they found trailer camping it opened up opportunities for going to the rainy coast, Cascade Mountains, and cold weather ventures. Once in the camper she was able to enjoy her many hobbies like fishing, berry picking, metal detecting, hunting and just plain visiting.

No matter who was on the adventure, whether it was relatives, friends, neighbors or fellow club members she enjoyed the company. Visiting relatives was a special treat for her to spend time with and their gatherings lasted for decades.

Shirley and LRay bought a residence in a gated community in Mesa, Arizona, where they wintered for many years. She joined the computer club where she was a student and an instructor. She and LRay joined the hiking club and took many hikes from the beginner to advance difficulty. They were always up for a good pot luck or block party She participated in the block decoration around holidays and won the best decorated block award several times.

Shirley's husband LRay died in April of 2013, and she maintained their house and three lots by herself until she moved to Kennewick, Washington about four years ago. She made some good friends at her new apartment and was able to keep entertained and busy. At 96 years old she was still working on her computer staying contact with her friends and relatives. She spent her free time on the Parnell family genealogy on her computer until her las few months.

Shirley is survived by her two children Ken (Robin) Mikkelsen and Katherine Skipper; four grandchildren; ten great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Her grandchildren are Kristi Skipper, Kerri (Michael) Zimmerman, Kim (Brigham) Asay and John (Taryn) Skipper.

She was preceded in death by her husband, LRay, and all five of her siblings and nearly all of her friends.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 ~ 4:00 pm at Hillcrest Funerals and Cremation, 9353 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick, Washington. Followed by Funeral services at 5:00 pm. Graveside services will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023 ~ 10:00 am at IOOF Cemetery in The Dalles, Oregon.