Shirley June Harvell

Shirley June Harvell, age 94, passed away on March 1st, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was a beloved sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Shirley was born on May 30th, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan to Gladys and Theodore Keilman. She spent her childhood in and around Milan and Carleton, Michigan with her nine brothers and sisters and large extended family. In high school in Carleton, Michigan, Shirley met fellow cheerleader William "Boze" Harvell, and their friendship blossomed into love after he returned from serving in the army at the end of World War II. They married in 1947 and started their family and life together.

In the early 1950s, Boze fell in love with Wyoming after visiting his uncle, Tom Kirk, a rancher in the untamed hills of Little Medicine. Boze and Shirley made the decision to move to Casper in 1954 with their four children, and had their fifth child soon after. Boze worked as a carpenter and contractor while Shirley tended to their home and children. She was a devoted and loving mother who poured her heart into raising her children. When the kids grew older, Shirley went to work at Dresser Atlas as a secretary for several years and later made drapes for JCPenney. In the 1970s, she opened up her own shop, Custom Draperies, in downtown Casper.

Shirley was known for her joyful spirit and infectious giggle, her incredible home-cooked meals, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved in her home. An accomplished seamstress, Shirley's talent shone through in her meticulous work making draperies and quilts, as well as in innumerable sewing, knitting, and needlework projects throughout the years. She was a dedicated member of the Piece by Piece Quilt Club and the Needlework Guild. Her creations were not only pieces of art, but symbols of her love and care.

Shirley will be dearly missed by her children and their spouses: Linda (Chuck) Jarrett of Fort Collins, Colorado; Grace Harvell of Richmond, Utah; and Mel (Connie) Harvell, Ted Harvell, and Lori (Ray) Spearman of Casper, Wyoming. She also leaves behind her sister Janice (Dale) Losee of Milan, Michigan, eleven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were touched by her warmth, generosity, and grace. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of almost 60 years, William "Boze" Harvell, nine of her brothers and sisters, her beloved son Bill Harvell of Richmond, Utah, and her grandson Josh Harvell of Casper, Wyoming, whom she adored.

A viewing will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home on Saturday, March 16th from 4:00-6:00pm. Shirley's celebration of life will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home on Sunday, March 17th at 12:00pm with a reception to follow at 2:00pm at the Casper Senior Center, 1831 E. 4th Street. Flowers may be sent to 931 Country Club Rd. Casper, WY 82609 or donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Jason's Friends Foundation in Shirley's memory. Please join us in honoring and remembering Shirley as we celebrate countless cherished memories and a wonderful life well-lived.