Shirley 'Dusty' Carley

The Carley family celebrates the arrival of Shirley Berneice “Dusty” Carley to her Heavenly home, on Feb. 16, 2017. She died at home, surrounded by her family, just as she wished. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, her beloved husband, Kenneth Duane Carley, on Aug. 28, 2016. Dusty resided in Thompson Falls with her daughter and son-in-law, Robin & Michael Trull. She died of a heart condition that was non-operable.

Dusty was born to George and Berneice Bruce on March 26, 1935 in Artesia, N.M. Her parents later divorced and she went to live with her “Daddy” when she was about 12 years old. She met Ken on a blind date March 1, 1953. They were engaged on April 1 and married on July 1, 1953. Ken gave her the nickname “Dusty” which she kept for life. They were married for 63 years when Ken went to be with his Lord and Savior last year. She invited Jesus Christ into her heart to be her personal Savior in 1977.

Dusty is also survived by son, Wayne Carley, of Atlanta, Ga., sister-in-law Jonelle and Forest Graber and sister-in-law Sara Carley, both of Albuquerque, N.M. She had four grandchildren: Brad Williamson of Wichita, Kan.; Wendy Bruce of Whitefish, Mont.; Kim Carley of Gypsum, Colo. and Kiel Carley of Ft. Worth, TX. She was known as “Gamy” to them. Six great-grandchildren were Nicholas, Annalise, Nathan, Bryce, Katherine and Briggs. Her seventh great grandchild, Bennett, is due on her birthday, March 26, 2017.

Dusty was an Air Force wife and served her husband faithfully throughout all their years together. She lived in the Azores Islands; Denver, Colorado Springs, Tacoma, Wash., Sacramento, Calif., Panama, Topeka, Kan. Kimberling City, Mo., Corpus Christie, TX and Thompson Falls, Mont. Her favorite place to live was Panama, from 1967-1970.

When Ken pursued a second career as a National Park law enforcement officer, she became a remittance officer in Rocky Mountain National Park. She enjoyed this job very much. Her most prestigious role was that of executive secretary to Governor John Carlin of Kansas.

Dusty loved animals of all kinds and worked for a veterinarian at one point in her career. She was an avid quilter and made about 35 quilts by hand. Her quilts are wrapped with love as many family members and friends are fortunate to continue to enjoy them. Cake decorating was something she mastered in her younger years. She also loved God’s creation, and was frequently known to marvel over God’s handiwork. She was Ken’s “right hand” with their many home improvement projects. She had a beautiful singing voice and was involved in music ministry for a number of years. She had an enthusiasm for life that made her special and led a very adventurous life.

We already miss our Gamy very much but look forward to being reunited with her for eternity.