Shirley Mae Hunter, age 79, of Burns, passed away on April 29, 2026, surrounded by those who loved her most.

Born on Aug. 27, 1946, in Redding, Calif., to William J. Hunter and Novie Ada Foster-Hunter, she grew up in the rural community of Round Mountain, where she learned the values of hard work, resilience, and family — qualities that shaped her entire life.

Shirley spent many years working as a dedicated dental assistant, a role she approached with care and compassion until her retirement roughly twenty years ago. For nearly five decades, she made her home in Burns, where she built a life centered on love, family, and the simple joys that mattered most to her.

Some of the joys that brightened Shirley’s days included tending to her flower gardens, creating ceramics, and spending quiet time reading. Her home was warm and welcoming, filled with photos and mementos honoring the people she cherished. She had a gift for creating a space that reflected her heart — steady, loving, and deeply connected to family.

She also loved canning fruit, and her peaches and pears won ribbons at the local fair. Her houseplants were a source of pride, often earning blue ribbons for their beauty and care.

Shirley was resilient — when she had no car, she rode her bike many miles with her youngest child on the back, dropping him off at daycare and picking him up after finishing her first job as a dental assistant. Her determination and strength were matched only by her kindness and sincerity; everyone who met her felt the warmth of her heart. She was a devoted mother and a hard worker who taught her children the value of perseverance and always doing their best.

Shirley shared more than thirty years of her life with her partner, Steve Barrett. Together they built a warm and steady home, filled with companionship, laughter, and the simple routines that brought them joy. Steve cared for her with deep devotion, and their life together was a source of comfort and happiness for them both.

Shirley is survived by her partner of more than 30 years, Steve Barrett; her sister, Margaret (Jean) O’Dell; and her brother, William John Hunter. She was preceded in death by her sister Joann Drahosh and her granddaughter Carri Newman .

She is also survived by her children and their families:

• Daughter, Tammy Wheeler (Jeff); grandchildren: Jessica Wheeler, Samuel Wheeler (Mikaela Gosney), great-grandchild: Hayden Wheeler

• Daughter, Michelle Evans; grandchildren: Carri Newman, Carisa Newman, Katie Newman; great-grandchildren: Hunter Smith, Kash Foster, Novalei Newman

• Son, Bill Ray; grandchildren: Amber Weeks, Rachelle Ray, Devin Ray; great-grandchildren: Declan Weeks, Kenzi Weeks, Finn Weeks

• Son, John Ray; grandchildren: Savannah Riess, Cole Ray, Jake Ray; great-grandchildren: Addisen Riess, Gracie White, Ava Riess

Her family will forever remember the comfort of her home, her quiet strength, and the care she showed in countless everyday ways.

In the last decade of her life, Shirley faced ongoing health challenges from an injury sustained in her youth. Though she lived with pain, she met each day with courage and grace, seeking relief with steadfast hope. After years of perseverance, she passed peacefully, now resting with her God in Heaven.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at the Burns Cemetery.