Shirley died on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at her home in Poway, California. She was the third and last child of Norman and Irene Larsen. Shirley was raised with two older brothers, Norman Jr., the developer of WD-40, and Bernard, who always loved cars and ultimately became the owner of two gasoline stations in San Diego. In 1944, the family moved to National City, CA, where Shirley attended Sweetwater High School. She participated in many school functions, especially the Devilettes, and graduated in 1946. She joined her parents in their store, called "Shirley Mae's Fine Candy," at Eighth and Broadway in San Diego and worked with her Dad in his efforts as a campaign manager to get Charley Dail elected as Mayor of San Diego. Her personality and charm in working with people were exhibited when the movie stars Bill Holden and Bill Bendix, who were in San Diego making the movie "Submarine Command," stopped in to send candy to their wives. They ended up taking out the candy store's garbage cans and invited Shirley to dinner at the Cotton Patch. On Leap Year, February 29, 1952, Shirley met her future husband when she and her mother went to the Mexican Village for dinner. Hoagy was there voluntarily playing the piano and Shirley was trying to get him to play "Old Buttermilk Sky" when a JG Naval Officer, came up to assist her. They were successful and the two of them ultimately married on May 31, 1953. During the next sixteen years, Shirley controlled the check book and never made an error. She also supervised nine major moves without problems. Commander Bob Abels, retired from the Navy in 1969, after 25 years, and became a school teacher and enrolled agent doing income taxes. They have three sons, Bob Jr., who is with Customs in Washington, D.C., Steve, who is a hazardous material driver, and Richard, who is with the California Highway Patrol. When Shirley was in her thirties, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her large toe. Unfortunately, in spite of all the medications and treatments, the disease spread and she had both knees replaced, one hip replaced, three toes operated on and the fingers on her left hand surgically altered. In spite of all the pain and surgery, Shirley was an outstanding Navy wife and loving and caring mother. She was always there when needed and we pray that the Lord will bless her, relieve her burdens, and keep her in the hollow of His hands. Shirley is survived by her husband Commander Robert F. Abels, her sons Robert Franklin Abels Jr., Steven John Ables and Richard Alan Ables. She is also survived by three granddaughters Katelyn Mae Abels, Allison Abels and Kristen Abels. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 3, 2010 at Poway-Bernardo Mortuary, Poway, CA. Inurnment will take place at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements by Poway-Bernardo Mortuary

Published in San Diego Union-Tribune on June 30, 2010