Shirlie spent her early years growing up in Coconut Grove, Florida, alongside her sister, Charlotte. After graduating high school, she worked for Eastern Airlines. In her off-time Shirlie volunteered at the USO—where, in 1942, she met her sweetheart, Stephen Grant Stone, Jr, who was in OCS for the Army Air Corps. In 1945 they married in Pleasantville, New York, and spent 20 years as military nomads while Stephen pursued his Army career—living in Germany and Japan along the way. Shirlie was inspired by the cuisine and cultures of the countries they visited. Their three boys, Stephen Grant Stone III, John Colby Stone, and Geoffrey Walsh Stone enjoyed sharing in a wonderful military lifestyle and seeing the world.

It was in the military, as an officer’s wife, that Shirlie really blossomed. She was frequently involved with the Officer’s Wives Club and while Stephen was stationed in New Orleans, she was president of the Tulane University Garden Club. She had a unique talent for bringing people together and connecting them in unique ways at events that she threw—cooking the most fabulous food, sharing their wonderful home, and making everyone feel special.

The most magical time for the family was the transition to civilian life. Shirlie’s aunt and uncle invited the family to give the innkeeper life a go for a year at their property, The Captain Whidbey Inn, which they had purchased as a summer home before deciding that it was too large for that purpose. The Inn had been built as a resort in 1907.

Steve and Shirlie fell in love with the inn and Whidbey Island, and successfully refurbished and built the business back to a unique and beloved Coupeville establishment. Shirlie and Steve turned many visitors into friends. Upon retiring, Shirlie spent her time visiting her beloved cabins in the Methow Valley and at Ocean Shores. She painted, traveled, and selflessly and intuitively knew who could use a hand—taking them to appointments, cooking them meals, and bringing them caring and compassionate friendship.

Shirlie is survived by her son Stephen, his wife Susan and their four children, Catherine, Elizabeth, Deborah, and Charles; son John, his wife Melinda and their two sons, Andrew and Ian; son Geoffrey and his wife Ellen, and their three children, Brandon, Anthony and Alexander, and five great grandchildren, Alexander, Maggie, Noah, Logan, and Mason.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Shirlie’s name to: the Alzheimer's Association (http://www.alz.org), Summit Assistance Dogs (www.summitdogs.org), Aeolian Adventures, 2440 W. Libbey Road, Coupeville, WA 98239. or the charity of your choice. Please visit Shirlie’s page in the Book of Memoires to share stories and condolences.

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