Shirley Cleven

Our loving mother and grandmother, Shirley Cleven, 80, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2009. She was a very special lady. Shirley was born in Snoqualmie Falls, Washington on December 12, 1928 to Emil and Marguerite Olsen. She was a life-long resident growing up in the old Weyerhaeuser mill town. She shared many memories of those younger years, how different life was and what changes she had seen in the area.After graduating from Mount Si High School in 1947, she went on to earn a teaching degree from the University of Washington in 1951, returning home every weekend to help her dad. She taught first, second, and third grades at Snoqualmie Falls Elementary School for eight years; the same school she had attended as a child.In 1960, Shirley married Kyle Cleven and built a home in North Bend where they raised their three children. She spent countless hours in welcoming neighborhood children to her home, making cool aid, sandwiches, and cookies as they played. She was selfless in showing her love to all she came in contact with throughout her life. She volunteered many years at her kids’ school and helped Kyle with the book keeping at the Gateway Café.Shirley enjoyed spending time with family, especially grandchildren. She would always say, “I love my family.” In her later years she liked visiting friends at the Tift Haus and then at Rocko’s, and Ken’s Restaurant. She took a special pleasure in handing out mints to all.Shirley is survived by her children: Kristie Hough, Roger Cleven, and Susan Wentz, grandchildren: Kimberly, Tracie, Katie, Erika, Jacob, Maggie and Ed, and son-in-laws: Phil Hough and Russ Wentz, and daughter-in-law, Rachelle Cleven.She is preceded in death by her husband, Kyle, parents, brothers, and granddaughter, Ellen.Arrangements made be Snoqualmie Valley Funeral Chapel in North Bend, Washington.To honor our mother’s request, no services will be held. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s or Macular Degeneration Associations.210117