Shirley Mary Skelly

Shirley Mary Skelly (nee: Ingram) passed away July 31, 2026. She was 97. Shirley was born on December 16, 1928, to Marjorie Stokes Ingram and Alexander Wallace Ingram in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She graduated at the top of her class, and was president of her class, at Lord Selkirk High School in Winnipeg. She began working as an x-ray technician shortly after her graduation. She then married her high school sweetheart, George Alfred Skelly, on October 28, 1950.
Shirley and George emigrated from Canada to the USA upon George’s graduation from medical school in 1962. Together, they raised their family of four daughters: Valerie, Gaye, Diane, and Vera.
Shirley’s greatest joy was being a mother to her daughters, and she took great pride in the fact that, “they all turned out well.” She was instrumental in teaching them sound money management, cooking, and sewing, as well as ensuring their participation in many activities – most notably golf, competitive swimming, piano lessons, and downhill skiing. Shirley was accomplished, herself, at these pursuits, and in particular, was an excellent golfer. She notched four hole-in-one shots during her many years of playing golf.
Shirley also was a born leader. She volunteered in many capacities throughout her life, always assuming a leadership position. As such, she chaired many committees, boards of directors, and ran multiple golf tournaments.
Shirley and George moved from Minnesota to Sun City West, Arizona in 1987, and enjoyed almost 40 years of retirement there until their deaths.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, George, and her sister, Faye Ingram Payne. She is survived by her daughters: Valerie (Keith); Gaye (Sheldon); Diane; and Vera (Keith); all of whom reside in Sun City West. She leaves behind seven grandchildren: Ryan, Daniel, Trent, Tabitha, Tara, Jack, and Anne; as well as three great grandchildren: Archer, Edward, and Noelle.
Cremation was at the Camino del Sol Funeral Home in Sun City West, Arizona.