Shirley Virleen Dodd Fowler

(Feb. 21, 1934 - July 7, 2020)

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Shirley Virleen Dodd Fowler passed away July 7, 2020, at her home, with her daughter by her side. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

Shirley was born Feb. 21, 1934, on the family farm in Esbon, Kansas, to parents Everett and Elsie (Sanderson) Dodd. She had one brother, Jimmie Dodd, who resided in Texas. They remained very close throughout their lives.

Shirley married Richard S. Fowler on Dec. 21, 1952. They had two children, Kim R. Fowler and Kathy L. Fowler. Shirley and Dick were married for 55 years before he passed away in 2007.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband Richard “Dick” Fowler; her son Kim, tragically, in 1998; brother Jimmie and best friend Clara Carroll Lehman.

She is survived by daughter Kathy Fowler of Powell; grandchildren Jamie Fowler Baldwin (Doug) of Rawlins/Casper; Cameron Stewart (Shalane) of Gillette, Wyoming; Kayla Stewart Gahagan (Adam) of Rapid City, South Dakota; McKenna Werbelow of Powell; four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several step-grandchildren she loved over the years.

Shirley believed strongly in volunteer work and spent many years serving with the United Methodist Church women’s group. She also belonged to the PEO Chapter in Riverton. She invested many years and resources in supporting her children’s activities in Job’s Daughters, DeMolay, Boy Scouts and Little League. She spent many years faithfully supporting the volunteer work of her husband in the Masonic Lodge and Kalif Shrine Centers and Veterans of Foreign Affairs.

Shirley and Dick took deep pride in the American flag and our country. During their time in Riverton, Shirley had a tall flag pole installed at their home and initiated a street-wide flag display in their neighborhood, a gesture recognized by city officials.

Shirley was an avid reader, believed in lifelong learning, was a patient listener and invested wisdom lovingly to those around her. Shirley had an incredible heart for others. She intended to pursue a career in nursing, but instead devoted time and energy to the caregiving of friends, family, and neighbors in and out of her home for many years. She moved to Powell following the death of her husband to be close to her daughter and sidekick for many years —  granddaughter McKenna. They enjoyed many adventures together.

Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home. A burial is scheduled for a later date in Riverton, with family, where she will be lovingly placed with her husband and son.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donors’ choice. Shirley strongly favored local charity work, including Backpack Blessings and the Essentials for Senior Citizens (Purple Bag). Condolences and donations can be sent to Kathy Fowler at 912 Greenfield Dr., Powell WY, 82435.

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