Laura Lee Shirley, better known as “Lolly,” suddenly and unexpectedly passed away on Sept. 18, 2018. She was 54.
Lolly was the oldest daughter born and raised in Portola to her parents Richard and Grace Morgan on Feb. 06, 1964. She graduated from Portola High School in 1982 and briefly moved to Vacaville. She returned to her roots in Portola in the spring of 1989, where she remained a resident ever since.
Lolly married James “Jim” Shirley, of Portola, in March of 1996. Together they raised three children. Lolly lived for public service and helping others; she was an active member in the community she knew and loved from the time she was a teenager. She worked at Eastern Plumas Hospital, where she got to care for and help patients. More recently, she was an in-home caregiver where she could offer specialized care to those who needed it most. Lolly was also serving as an active member of the Plumas County Grand Jury. Perhaps her most adored role however, was assisting her beloved friend Steve Heskett on the Portola High School football team.
Lolly had the most infectious laugh that could light up any room. She will be missed by so many.
She was preceded in death by her father, Richard “Dick,” who parted in 2008.
Lolly leaves behind a grieving family including her husband, Jim Shirley, of Portola; daughter, Casey and son-in-law, Brad Jones, of Chico; son, Chase Shirley, of Dixon; daughter, Caitlyn Shirley, of Portola; mother, Grace Morgan, of Dixon; sister, Jill and brother in-law, Jean Gelpi, of Dixon; six nieces and nephews; as well as a large extended family.
A celebration of life reception will take place on Saturday, Nov. 10, at Father Burns Catholic Social Hall from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Portola High School football program in care of Steve Heskett.