Obituary of Shirley Irvene Coulter

Shirley Irvene Coulter, 77, of Puyallup, WA, passed away at her home on Saturday, January 15th, 2022. Shirley was born October 31st, 1944 in Lincoln, Nebraska, the only child to John Grant and Marian Jeanette (Linch) Bottorff. She received her primary education in Lincoln public schools and graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1962. Shirley attended the University of Nebraska and was employed in secretarial education support work and most recently in the Safety Department in the Puyallup, WA school system.  

Shirley was an avid swimmer, golfer and former youth AAU swimming champion from age 8 and into her high school years. At age 13, Shirley recorded the 2nd best time in the nation in the 50 yard freestyle, and the 3rd best time nationally in the 50 yard backstroke. She continued to support the Hillcrest Country Club swim team for years even after she ended her competitive swimming career. 

Shirley enjoyed visiting and laughing with family and friends over a glass of Chardonnay. Her laugh was distinct and infectious and her hugs were second to none. She enjoyed the nicknames "Little Spook" for being born on

Halloween and "Squirrely" by her "sister cousins”. 

On June 1st, 1979, she was united in marriage to Wayne Andrew Coulter at the Chapel in the Hills in Rapid City, South Dakota. On June 1st, 2019 they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with family and friends. Shirley leaves to mourn her passing; her loving husband, Wayne Coulter of Puyallup, WA; daughter Amy Olness and her husband, Kjell, two granddaughters Kamryn and Kendyll Olness of Spearfish, SD; son Grant Colgan and his wife Malene of Tacoma, WA; cousins Marilyn DeWalt of San Diego, CA, Patsy and Ken Vancill of Garland, TX, Jean and Eldon Schoonveld of Lincoln, NE; step son Jason Coulter and family of Denver, CO; step daughter Stacia Springer and family of Winnabow, North Carolina; and a host of other relatives and friends.  

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at

Hill Funeral Home Services, 217 E. Pioneer, Puyallup, WA 98372. https://hillfhpuyallup.com