Shirley Marie Fitzgerald

February 12, 1943 – June 1, 2026

Shirley Marie Fitzgerald, lovingly known by many titles throughout her life; wife, mother, mother-in-law, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. However, she was known and cherished most by the name, "Grandma."  To her family, grandchildren, and all who knew her, Grandma was a title she wore with pride and unconditional love.

Shirley passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, at Hillcrest Hospital at the age of 83.

She was born on February 12, 1943, in Kiefer, Oklahoma. She often shared the story that she was born "on the side of the road," a tale that never failed to bring a smile to those around her. She was the beloved daughter of Roy Franklin Bohlander and Maebelle Marie Finch.

Shirley graduated from Kiefer High School before pursuing further education at Cuesta Junior College in San Luis Obispo, California. She often fondly recalled taking "that big gray bus" all the way to California, embracing the adventure that awaited her there.

A faithful Soldier of The Salvation Army, Shirley dedicated much of her life to serving both her church and community. She worked as a clerk at The Salvation Army Thrift Store, a position that allowed her to continue her passion for ministry and helping others. She enjoyed participating in Home League, ringing bells during the Christmas season, and attending camps and retreats at Camp Heart O' Hills in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Her faith was not merely something she believed, it was something she lived each day through service, compassion, and love for others.

Shirley had a deep love for Jesus, and her life reflected that love in countless ways. She was also a fan of Elvis Presley, whose music brought her joy throughout the years.

She found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved planting flowers and creating beauty wherever she lived. Her kitchen was often the heart of her home, where she enjoyed cooking meals and making recipes uniquely her own. She never passed up a good thrift store bargain or garage sale and delighted in collecting treasures that filled her home with memories and stories. She enjoyed sharing stories from her life, and those stories became treasured memories for her family. She also appreciated a good Pepsi, a hamburger with plenty of salt, and the company of those she loved.

Shirley enjoyed traveling across the countryside and especially treasured her time in California, where she loved visiting the beautiful beaches along the coast. Whether exploring new places, hunting for treasures at garage sales and thrift stores, or tending to her flowers at home, she found joy in the simple blessings of life.

No matter where she lived from Kiefer or Sapulpa, Oklahoma, to California, and finally Treetop Apartments—she made friends easily because she truly never met a stranger. She was the heart of many gatherings and the true matriarch of her family, offering wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love to generations who looked to her for guidance.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Ted Graves of Kellyville, Oklahoma, and Joe Couturier of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; her daughter-in-law, Darla Graves of Kellyville, Oklahoma; numerous beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; extended family members; and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Franklin Bohlander and Mabel Marie Finch; her beloved Bohlander siblings, Joanne, Troy, Bob, Bonna Mae, and David, with whom she shared a close and lasting bond throughout her life; her beloved son, Jon Graves; her cherished grandson, Derrick Allen Graves; and her husband, Wayne Fitzgerald.

To know Shirley was to know kindness. She had the sweetest soul, welcomed everyone with open arms, and shared her faith, laughter, stories, and love freely. Her warm smile, gentle spirit, and consideration for others, made people feel loved. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the family she cherished, the flowers she planted, the bells she rang, and the treasures she collected along the way.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she is now resting in the presence of her Savior.

Memorial: August 1st at 11:00 a.m. at Salvation Army. 3901 E 28th St. Tulsa, Ok 74114

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army in Shirley's honor.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Arrangements are in the care of Green Hill Funeral Home