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Shirley Hankins
11/09/1931 — 01/20/2025
From Richland, WA | Born in Colby, KS
Celebration of Life
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Shirley Hankins
Shirley L. Hankins, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, in Richland, WA. Born on November 9, 1931, in Colby, KS, Shirley dedicated her life to serving others and nurturing her family. She is survived by her three children, Myron “Mac” Hankins Jr., Shelley Hankins, and Sherrey Hankins, son-in-law Jim Penor and her cherished grandsons, Brian and Joseph Hankins.
A passionate advocate for her community, Shirley’s heart was rooted in public service. Her love for door belling allowed her to connect with countless residents, listen to their concerns, and ensure their voices were heard. She joyfully represented her constituents after taking an early retirement from her career as a dosimetry specialist and policy writer. Her spirit thrived in her flower garden, and she found happiness in attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, where she rooted for them at football, basketball, and soccer games.
Shirley’s zest for life was evident in everything she did, from her enthusiastic participation in local parades around the Tri-Cities, assisting at the Tri-Cities Food Bank and mentoring those who wanted to run for office. She was a pillar of strength and love in her family, having raised three children and a nephew, instilling in them the values of kindness and community engagement.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 1, 2025, beginning at 12:00 PM, followed by a reception at Events at Sunset. Friends and family are invited to join in honoring Shirley’s legacy. Shirley’s vibrant spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Shirley was preceded in death by: Husband Myron M. Hankins, Sr., Parents Florence E. Richards and Mack O. Williams, Sisters Marjorie Brown and Ann Rogers and Son-in-Law Skip Wood.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the local Tri-Cities Food Bank.
There were many rewards for being a friend and colleague of Shirley Hankins, but it was not a role for the faint of heart. “Walking the district” at every campaign, day trips to Olympia for legislative crisis moments, scoping transportation project necessities, seminars, round tables, neighborhood coffees. No student in a classroom where Shirley demonstrated hazmat clothing and radiation counting equipment will likely forget that day’s lesson. Hours greeting and talking to constituents at the fair, directing Republican Women’s picnics and scholarships, mentoring, promoting and protecting the blossoming wine industry and crucial agricultural underpinning of the region; a tireless voice for nuclear science, a loyal friend. How lucky we all were to have had her here. Well done.
My memories of Shirley go back to the mid 60s in the Richland Junior Women’s club. She was a force of nature then, too. She and Myron were especially welcoming to our children on New Year’s Eve when the kids slept over so we could attend the Battelle Holiday Party. S0me of the “old” Junior Women got together with Shirley a year ago or so and had a great time reconnecting. My deepest sympathy goes out to all her family.
An awesome woman who served as a role model for many of us. Her classy style and kindness will not be forgotten.
Love and hugs to Shelley and family during this time. May your memories give you peace and comfort.
Shelley, Sherrey, Mac, Thoughts and Prayers are with you and family…
Great memories…
Love Linda & Rob Guay
God Bless you Shirley. Thank you for all your love and support through my younger years. You were an amazing woman.
Thoughts and prayers go out to the family. 🕊️🕯️🙏💐
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Shirley Hankins