Shirley McDaniel

Shirley, known as the rock of our family, passed away peacefully on February 25th after 90 years of a wonderful life. She was born on January 27, 1936, in Phoenix, Arizona. She attended North High School, where at just 17 years old she met the love of her life. Three weeks later, they were married—a beautiful union that lasted 70 years, until his passing in 2023.

Family was always Shirley’s top priority. Together, they raised a beautiful family, beginning with their two children, Mike (Mary) and Sherrie (Joe). She shared a special bond with each of her grandchildren: Candace (Doug), Sarah (Stefan), Amanda, Matt (Bri), Mark (Robin), and Shelli (Derek). She was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren—Edison, Quinn, Cora, Sophia, Stefan Jr., Rhett, Ella, and Daisy—who brought her immense joy.

She was welcomed into heaven by her beloved husband, Eddie McDaniel; her parents, Jeanette Larsen and Walter Ragan; her half-brother, Harris Larsen Jr.; her son-in-law, Joe; and many cherished relatives and friends. She is lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Shirley dedicated her life to raising—and lovingly overprotecting—her family. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, she worked in various office manager roles at a theater, a bowling alley, a produce company, and an ice cream distributorship. She also owned and operated a daycare center for several years. Outside of family time, Shirley loved cooking, traveling the world, and spending time with her dogs.

We will miss Shirley beyond words. May she rest in paradise.

The Celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 3rd at Bunker Funeral Home, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by the service at 11:00 am. For more information, go to www.bunkerfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brookdale North Gilbert Employee Fund, 845 N. El Dorado Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85233 (in memory of Shirley McDaniel). The love, compassion, respect, and
kindness the staff showed to Shirley—and to all the residents—cannot be appreciated enough. They truly deserve recognition.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.