Shirley Wissel Marsh Pennell

Shirley Wissel Marsh Pennell

October 20, 1924-October 22, 2016

Shirley Rosalind Amundson was born October 20, 1924 to Albert Ollie and Maude Williams Amundson in Caldwell, Idaho.  She died peacefully two days after her 92nd birthday on October 22, 2016.

Shirley’s greatest legacy was her large and ever-expanding family.  As a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she imparted an intuition, empathy and wisdom to everyone within her realm.  Each of her children and grandchildren knew they were special in her eyes no matter where their life had taken them or what choices they had made.  She always said I love you and meant it. 

As a young woman, Shirley married Ralph Wissel in August of 1942 and was pleased to become a part of his large family.  Shirley and Ralph had eleven children together and farmed on the Wissel homestead for many years.  At that time Shirley was active in the St. Paul’s Catholic Church and school community.  She was a very accomplished seamstress who somehow found time to make classic, couture clothing for her daughters, including first communion, graduation and prom gowns as well as a wedding dress.  During those years, in addition to raising her family, Shirley returned to school and earned her degree from the College of Idaho in 1973. 

In 1974, Shirley married Eldon Marsh.  Shirley and Eldon created a warm, welcoming and joy-filled home for her family and their close group of Caldwell friends.  They also ran businesses including Givens Hot Springs and Marsh Realty.  After Eldon’s death in 1986, Shirley fulfilled a life-long dream of traveling, including a solo trip to Italy, which she loved. 

She later married Virgil Pennell and moved to Meridian.  A highlight of their years together was a trip to Africa.  Shirley especially enjoyed an African safari and often remembered the peacefulness of her hot air balloon ride over a Masai game reserve.

When Virgil passed away in 1996, Shirley moved back to Caldwell where her doors and heart were always open to family, friends and neighbors.  Despite health challenges in recent years, she continued to travel to various states for family celebrations and to Mazatlan each spring.

Shirley had a lifelong intellectual curiosity.  Her houses were filled with books, she loved discussing what people were reading, and there was always a crossword puzzle in her hand or in her purse.  She cared deeply for the natural world; loved the birds at her feeders, her dogs and cats curled at her feet and the flowers blooming in the pots on her patio.  Everyone who knew Shirley would agree she had a keen sense of style and kept up on the latest trends.  She loved to play Words with Friends, online Mah Jong and texted like a pro.  Her fashion sense was undeniable and recently said she didn’t know which was harder, giving up high heels or driving. Clearly, it was the heels.

Shirley is survived by her eleven children:  Clinton (Judy) Wissel, John (Kathy) Wissel, Carolynn (Ted) Terry, Kathy Wissel (Bob Goodkind), Marybeth (Dick) Snitily, Anne Hanson, Judy (Bob) Peck, Paula Wissel (John de Graaf), Michael (Lupe) Wissel, Matthew (Benita) Wissel, Rebecca (Bill) Combs.  She is also survived by 32 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M. at Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel on Friday, October 28, 2016 and a Vigil will follow at 7:00 P.M.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Paul’s Parish, 510 W. Roosevelt on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 10:00 A.M.  A private internment will follow the ceremony at Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell. An online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com

Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s School Building Fund. 

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