Shirley Yarns Foster, age 96, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, March 14, 2024 in River Falls. She was born the daughter of Maurice and Carla (Petersen) Yarns on Aug. 14, 1927 in Jackson, Minn. Shirley grew up in Martell, Wis. and had many stories to tell about her happy childhood there despite growing up during the Depression. The family moved to Hudson, Wis. and she graduated from Hudson High School. Following high school, Shirley went to nursing school for two years at Mounds Midway. She met her husband, Jim Foster and married in 1948. They were later divorced but remained lifelong friends. They had four children and when the youngest was three, Shirley returned to nursing school at Hamline University as it was one of the few schools that allowed married women to study. Shirley later continued her education and became a nurse anesthetist.
She had an adventurous spirit and created many memories traveling with her family and friends.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Vicki Jo; siblings, Violet, Dorothy, and George. She is survived by her sister, Idella Lombard; children, Joel, Mary (Nick Jadinak), and Michael (Florence); grandchildren, Rachel Sixberry, Ryan Fullmer, Jason Foster, David Foster, and Karen (Jonathan) Sampson; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (805 E. Division St.) in River Falls with a visitation starting at 1 p.m. Interment will be in Martell Methodist Cemetery in Martell Township. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
