Shirley Wallace Lappens
Passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Boise Idaho at the age of 98.
Shirley’s grandparents, the Halferty’s came to Spink, Idaho in 1909 and the Wallace’s to Roseberry, Idaho in 1911.
Shirley was the second child of six, born on April 30, 1926, to Robert and Thelma Halferty Wallace at the Halferty ranch three miles north of Donnelly.
For 63 years, she lived within a four-mile radius of the home she was born in on various ranches in the Donnelly area. Upon retirement from the Cascade School District, she moved to Boise to raise flowers, read, sew quilt tops and be near her family.
Shirley graduated as Salutatorian from Donnelly-McCall High School in 1944 and was the last survivor of that class. She attended the College of Idaho from 1944-1946 under a two-year Teachers Certification Program. During the summers of 1963-1968 she attended the College of Idaho where she received her bachelor’s degree in 1968. Later, after several summer school sessions she received her Media Generalist certification.
On December 14, 1946, she married Charles Raymond Lappens in Boise, Idaho. Her husband Charlie never spoke a cruel word to her during their 36-year marriage. To this union were born Robert Charles Lappens, Sue Lappens Mourtsen, Janet Lappens and Gaye Lappens Heikkila.
Shirley taught school at Horseshoe Bend, Lardo, Roseberry, New Meadows and ended her teaching career at Cascade serving the final years of her career as the Librarian while continuing to teach her passion of Idaho History.
She served on the Idaho State Textbook committee from 1978-1982, a task she truly enjoyed.
Shirley was predeceased by her husband Charlie in 1982. Children Robert Charles (Bobby Chuck), age four in 1951 and Sue, age 34 in 1985. Siblings: Robert Wallace in 1933, Mary Jean Jones 1993, David Wallace in 1997 and Kathleen (Kitty) Gurnsey in 2015.
She is survived by her Children: Janet Lappens of Lakewood Colorado, Gaye (Alan) Heikkila of Meridian. Her Sister Beverly (John) Montgomery of Meridian, Grandchildren: Peter (Charlie) Mourtsen; Apache Junction, AZ, Daniel (Hannah Kiblen) Heikkila; Kuna, Maren Lappens; New York, Andrew Heikkila; Meridian and Amy Heikkila; Meridian and her step great-grandson Mason Kimminau of Texas. She is also survived by many special cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Services will be held on Monday, November 25 at 11am at the Bowman Funeral Home in Boise. A viewing will take place beforehand starting at 10am. A meal will be provided following the service at the West Ada School District Service Center; 1303 E Central Drive Meridian, ID 83642. The burial will be at the Holmes Cemetery in Donnelly Idaho on Wednesday, November 27 at 11am.
Memorials can be made to an elementary, middle or high school of your choice.