Shirley Jean (Goodrich) Gripp, fell asleep in death on August 23, 2017. She was 89. Born on October 14, 1927 to Don Carlos Goodrich and Mary Katherine Shaub in St. Joseph, Missouri, she was the second of four children.

In sunny California she met and then married Arne Birger Gripp on October 30, 1947 and began raising a family, and over time they had four wonderful boys and one beautiful daughter. Shirley and Arne also established lifelong friendships with some outstanding individuals during their marriage.

Shirley moved to Sherman, TX in 1959 from Los Angeles, CA with her husband and children to have a greater share in the preaching and teaching work of Jehovah's Witnesses. Over the decades, she helped many to learn what the Bible's wonderful future hope is for the earth and mankind, as taught at Revelation 21:3,4. Her knowledge and sage advice gained through studying and applying what she learned from the Scriptures will truly be missed.

Camping and fishing with her late husband were something Shirley really loved. She also relished a good game of cards and treasured spending time with the grandchildren. Her home was a place where friends and family always felt welcome.

In the mid-1960s, Shirley and her family started a local business, Contempori Signs. It eventually grew into the national sign supply enterprise known today as SIGN Warehouse. Never afraid of technology, she was fully involved in the early years designing and constructing signage, operating computerized equipment and training the future generation her skills.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Arne Gripp; son, David Gripp; brother, Don Goodrich. Surviving are her son, Christopher Gripp of Bells, TX; Erik Gripp and wife Oksana, of Bonham, TX; Jonathan Gripp and wife, Michelle of Jacksonville, FL; daughter, Maryann McClung and husband, Jim of Athens, TX; brother, Frank Goodrich and wife, Virginia of Grass Valley, CA; sister, Mary Olsen and husband, Roy of Long Beach, CA; twelve grandchildren, three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 9th, 2017 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 3210 E Lamar St., Sherman, TX.

The online register book may be signed at www.waldofuneralhome.com.