Shirley Mae Coulson

Shirley Mae Coulson, 97 years old, died July 06, 2022, in Bakersfield, CA.

Shirley was born to William Roy and Erma Lynne Houck on September 26, 1924, in Dallas, TX, and was their only child. Upon the passing of her father, they moved to San Francisco, CA.  It was here she married her first husband, Charles William Westbay II, and their first child, Kristina Lynne Westbay was born. They relocated to Petaluma, CA, and the family grew with the addition of Charles William Westbay III and Kimberlee Annette Westbay.

She loved to work and spoke of her jobs fondly over the years. She excelled in every position she held; from Western Union (teletype operator) to Hamilton AFB (stenographer), to the Department of Veteran Affairs (licensed psychometrist - her favorite!) and the Santa Rosa Post Master General (secretary) where she retired in 1989.

Shirley enjoyed being active, supported her community, and loved to have fun! She was an avid square dancer and a clever writer.  She put both talents together as she created hilarious and fun vignettes for her clubs to perform, especially their RV group.  She was a member of Eastern Star and earned her 50 year certificate and pin. She was a volunteer tax preparer for the elderly. She volunteered in various positions at Elim Lutheran Church where she enjoyed getting together with the ladies and supporting the church. She loved Pastor Tim who supported her and Leo with home visits and spiritual support during some of their final years together.

Leo and Shirley were passionate about travel! They joined a local RV group, and also RV’d across the country on their own. They toured and cruised the world and made life-long friends along the way, taking hundreds of photos which were carefully logged, filed, and shared upon their return.

Shirley is survived by her children, Chuck (Pat) and Kristina; her grandchildren Michael Odom, Dana Preston, Alicia D’Addieco, Jessica Westbay, Michelle Ferguson, and Angela Westbay; her great-grandchildren Michael Odom, Jr., Sydney Makowski, Chanelle Lockhart, Jazmine Lockhart, Caitlyn D'Addieco, Jason Odom, MaKayla Ferguson, and Jackson Perry.  Shirley is predeceased by her grandson Keith Westbay, daughter Kimberlee Westbay, and husband Leo C. V. Coulson.

The family would like to thank Carmelita and Tony Tuazon of Villa Carmelli for the love and care they provided Mom in her last years.

We miss her beaming smile, her quick wit, and her gentle kindness she showed to every friend and stranger she encountered. We miss knowing she is physically with us but can’t wait to catch up when we meet her again.

Go rest high on that mountain

Daughter, your work on earth is done

Go to Heaven a-shoutin’

Love for the Father, and the Son

.