Shirley E. Meyer

Shirley Elizabeth (Massey) Meyer, 80, of Cottonwood, died November 11, 2005, at Infinia of Cottonwood, with her husband, Robert; son, Robert Jr.; and daughter, Carol; at her bedside. She was born December 10, 1924, in Peabody MA. While at Peabody High School, Shirley was a member of the 1942 Massachusetts state champion basketball team. During World War II, she was an electronics specialist at Sylvania in Salem MA and later retired from Varian Associates in Beverly MA. For the first two years of their retirement, Shirley and Bob traveled the United States, criss-crossing the country multiple times before settling in Cottonwood, where she immersed herself in Native American culture. Shirley and Bob started the annual Verde Village Antique and Collectible show in the early 1980's. Shirley was also accomplished in caning and rushing chairs, building dollhouses, and in rose marling and gold leaf painting. Shirley was a descendant of Rebecca Nurse who had been falsely accused, and later hanged, during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. The family lineage also included one of the first patriots to fall at the Battles of Lexington and Concord during the Revolutionary War. Shirley is survived by her husband of 57 years, Bob; son Bob Jr. of Castle Rock CO; and daughter Carol (Ed Kenney) of Abilene KS. She was preceded in death by son Don. She is also survived by sisters Barbara Bozek, Lois Fellows, Trudy Dearborn, and Phyllis Bartkiewicz. She was preceded in death by sisters Alice Massey and Eleanor Spinale. She also leaves 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to RTA Hospice and Palliative Care, 70 Bell Rock Plaza, Suite A, Sedona AZ 86351, or to Old Town Mission, 116 E Pinal St, Cottonwood AZ 86326. An online guest book is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com.