Shirley Christy Obituary

Shirley Ann Christy, age 88, of Coon Rapids, MN, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2024 surrounded by family. Born on March 29, 1936 in St. Cloud, MN, she was a cherished daughter of Frank and Dorothy (nee Hiscock) Long.
Shirley was raised on a farm in Rice, MN. Considered a tomboy, she enjoyed playing backyard sports, especially pitching for her brothers. After graduating high school, she met her future husband while joy-riding in downtown Minneapolis. They married on January 28, 1956 and soon started their young family. Shirley had a number of jobs including mother, youth outreach coordinator for Billy Graham, law librarian at the University of Minnesota, and held various clerical positions.
Shirley and George joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1960. Their membership and her relationship with Jesus Christ became the focal point of her life. She especially enjoyed working with the young women of the Church, the women's organization, and in the St. Paul and Chicago temples. When not serving others, she traveled around the United States. As a passionate Elvis Presley fan, she especially enjoyed her visit to Graceland and was known to get out of the car and dance whenever his songs came on.
She is survived by her spouse of 68 years, George; children, David (Michiko), Rich, and Dale (Kim); grandchildren Mick (Alicia), Stephanie Adams (Andy), Jason (Elaine), Justin (Duong), Johnny, Jamie, and Joseph; great-grandchildren Wyatt, Wesley, Chloe, and Alek Jin; and siblings, Richard and Phyllis. She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers Frank, Gene, Bill, and Merle; and sister Wilma.
A visitation will be held at 9:00AM on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, with a celebration of life to follow, at Washburn-McReavy, 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd.