On Thursday, July 18, 2024, Shirley Ann Couse passed away at home following a short battle with cancer.  She was born on December 11, 1946, to Virgil and Dorothy Beedle, in Ellensburg WA.

Shirley's family lived in Skykomish Washington until 1956, then moved to Forks Washington. They left Forks in 1959 and moved to Woodinville Washington. They finally found themselves settled in Republic Washington in 1962.

Shirley married Clifford Couse on September 25, 1982, and raised their family in Republic.  They had been married for 42 years. In addition to being the loving wife and mother of her family, she held down many jobs. She worked for the prosecutor for several years, then joined her husband in running the family business, "Cliff's Tire & Muffler" in which she actively helped change mucker tires in 20 below weather.  They later purchased the local sanitation service, which became known as "Couse's Sanitation & Recycle Service". During that time, she also served as the town Mayor in Republic from 2002 through 2011 and served on city council from 2001-2002.  Cliff and Shirley ran their business together for 36 plus years, until they sold it and decided to retire.  Upon retirement, they spent much of their time traveling in their RV, eventually becoming fulltime residents in Yuma Arizona.

Shirley enjoyed so many things in life.  Her family was most important, and she loved spending time with them whenever she could.  She had a great sense of humor and could make anybody laugh and her smile was so contagious. She was known for having a good time!   Shirley enjoyed the outdoors, loved camping, spending time on the water swimming and fishing, sewing, golfing, pickleball, music and dancing.  She loved the beauty in the sunsets and sunrises, hummingbirds and dolphins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Dorothy Beedle; brothers, Bill Beedle, Dave Beedle, and Clifford Beedle; sister, Evelyn Brooks; and her son Michael Brown.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Clifford Couse;
Children, Nick (Shelle) Burbank, Stacie (Bryan) Freel, Derek Couse, Bob Brown, and Kevin (Kathy) Brown;
Grandchildren, Joshua Burbank, Jenna (Casey) Nelson, Catie (Robert) Harmon, Aaron (Cody) Brown, Andy Brown, Brandi (Mason) Allen, Bryan (Shania) Freel, and Hunter Couse;
Great grandchildren, Thomas Burbank, Gunner Nelson, Pyper Nelson, Jeneah Harmon, Jonathan Harmon, and Waylon Brown;
Brothers, Tony (Linda) Beedle, and Jim (Kari) Beedle.
Numerous nieces and nephews.

In the near future, the family will hold a gathering in Washington to celebrate Shirley's life.