Shirley Arlene Wilburn, age 90, of Bellingham passed away peacefully in her home Tuesday, October 6, 2026. She was born in Axtell, Kansas on December 4, 1935, to parents Victor and Grace Bowhay.

Shirley attended Mt. Baker High School and then married Bob Wilburn on February 8, 1958. They settled on Mt. Baker Highway, near Bellingham and were blessed with 4 children, Donna, Marty, Jan and Karen.

Shirley’s greatest joy in life was her family. She loved nothing more than a crowded house filled with love, laughter and an abundance of good food. As a mother, she was involved in every step of her children’s lives but found a unique boundless joy in becoming a grandma and great grandma. She also was a lifelong passionate sports fan, rarely missed a game of the Seattle Mainers or the Seattle Seahawks. But her absolute favorite athletics was to cheer for her own grandchildren. Whether cheering from the stadium or her favorite chair at home her enthusiasm and pride for her family always shone through. Shirley was always supportive in whatever the family needed.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Bob R. Wilburn on March 24, 1990, her parents Victor and Grace Bowhay, brothers Gerald, Laverne, Ron and sister Willa.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna Wilburn, granddaughter Jennifier (Brooks) Cockran, great grandchildren, Sawyer, Mason & Reese Cockran; grandson, Spencer Flannery and Syndney Cook; great grandchildren, Dru and Devyn Flannery.

Son, Marty (Terri) Wilburn, granddaughter, Alisha (Tyson) Kleindel, great grandchildren, Isaac and Logan Kleindel; granddaughter, Kristina (Daniel) Fell, great grandson, Dutton Fell; granddaughter, Jessica (Shane) Verbrugge and great grandchildren, Maya and Mille Verbrugge.

Daughter, Jan Wilburn

Daughter, Karen Turner and grandchildren, Christopher Dowd and Nathan Turner,

Brother, Richard (Barb) Bowhay, sister, Jeannie Leavitt and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.