Shirley Ann Ellis passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, at George Washington Health and Rehabilitation Center in Alexandria, Virginia.

Shirley was born in Rapid City, South Dakota on August 6, 1952 to Lester Ashton Smith and Ida Ione (Johnson) Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles James Franklin Ellis on August 19, 2024 and her parents. She is survived by three siblings, Marcia Smith of Moville, Iowa; Lester A (Dorothy) Smith Jr. of Moville, Iowa; and Wesley (Carolyn) Smith of Sioux City, Iowa.

Shirley graduated from Woodbury Central High School in Moville, Iowa where she played in the high school band and was on the library staff. She graduated from Strayer College in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Shirley obtained her love of country from her family, especially from her father, and enrolled after high school in the United States Navy. Her service took her overseas to Japan. Shirley followed her military service working as a contractor supporting the federal government and then as a home health nurse.

Shirley and her husband Frank were active members of the American Legion in Washington, District of Columbia, where they actually first met. Shirley loved watching old movies and working word finds.

Shirley will be interred with her husband, Frank, in Arlington National Cemetery in 2026.