Shirley Ann Shuler was born to Mabel Clare McKinley Shuler and Covert Preston Shuler in Springfield Colo., baby sister to Betty Jayne and Patricia Louise. In 1935, the family settled in Del Norte, Colo., where Covert co-owned and operated Underwood Chevrolet and later Shuler John Deere Implement Company east of Del Norte.
Shirley graduated from Del Norte High School in 1950 and married her high school sweetheart Richard Christian Paulson. Shirley and Richard made their home on the Meadow View Ranch 2 miles west of Del Norte. Their love affair would include the birth of four children, Richard (Rick), Audrey, Laurie and Mark.
In 1963, the family struck out for California where Shirley and Richard established a family business, Yucaipa Screen and Awning, in Yucaipa, Calif. They led a busy, active life involved in the United Methodist Church, community organizations, Saturday night Square Dancing, and flying trips with Richard as pilot. Tragically Richard died in a boating accident in 1974.
In 1977, Shirley married Robert Ricketts. They moved to Washington, Calif., to become proprietors of the River Rest RV Park on the Yuba River. In 1989, they retired and built their dream home in Graeagle, Calif., which became the hub of family holidays and events. They enjoyed RV traveling and toured the US from coast to coast.
At home in Graeagle, Shirley was seldom idle as an active member of the Graeagle Community Church, Plumas County Republican Women’s Association, Graeagle Art Guild, and president of the Cal Pine Lady Elks in 1992 and again in 1997. Bob passed in 2000 and Shirley returned to work to become Coordinator of Mohawk Community Resource Center until her retirement in 2013.
Shirley was matriarch to a loving and active family. She was a devout Christian, an enthusiastic party giver, golfer, hiker and traveler.
She is survived by her children Rick Paulson (Sherry), Audrey Paulson (Marty), Laurie Humphries (Travis), and Mark Paulson (Jill); grandchildren Alicia Kimsey, Fairrah Flood, Shoanna Humphries, Aristia Domaille, Richard (Rich) Paulson, Jaime Casey, Lindsey Paulson, Anthony Paulson, Julianne McDaniel, and Jennifer Mackey; 19 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father, Covert, mother, Mabel, husbands Richard and Robert, and her sisters, BJ and Pat.
Our world is a better place for those who knew her, and her legacy lives on in the lives of her family and friends. A celebration of Shirley’s life is planned for a future date. Details will be provided to friends and family.
