SHIRLEY SHINOBU STOLP

Shirley Stolp of Chewelah, WA passed away unexpectedly on April 16, 2023, in Spokane WA. Shirley was born in Osaka, Japan on December 14, 1960 where she was sent to an orphanage shortly after birth. In 1963, at two years old, Shirley was adopted by a wonderful Japanese-American couple, Haidie and Shigeko Hirai of Quincy, Wa. Shirley's brother Ken was adopted during the same trip. Together, they were brought home to Quincy WA. From here Shirley would set out on a truly amazing life.

In 1969 the family moved to Chewelah where her father started a seed potato business. Shirley graduated from Jenkins High School Chewelah in 1979. It was during this time that Shirley developed her love of animals. She joined the local 4H club and acquired her first horse, a Shetland pony. Shirley played sports in high school, with volleyball being her favorite sport. She also enjoyed performing in the high school band.

After high school, Shirley was living in Spokane and worked at Cyrus O'Leary's where she met Michael Love. The two were married in 1983 and had 2 daughters, Jenny and Kumiko. They moved to the Seattle area for a while then down to Beaverton, Oregon before moving back to Chewelah. Michael and Shirley divorced in 1998.

In 1993 Shirley began working at the Valley Drug Store in Chewelah. With more than 30 years of dedicated service, she was the longest serving employee the store had ever hired. She will be remembered for her sincere kindness to all who came through the door, a testament echoed in the numerous comments she garnered from the customers she served.

In November of 2000 Shirley married Douglas Stolp. Shirley, Jenny, and Kumiko moved into Doug's home a small farm on Burnt Valley Road. This was the beginning of a new chapter for Shirley and she thrived. As previously stated, Shirley was an animal person. She loved every animal she met. Shirley soon owned her first horse since her early days in the 4H, named Cougar. She immediately joined the Melody Riders Saddle Club, where she remained a member and officer of the club. Buddy was her next horse. Her last horse, Bugs was her favorite. Shirley raised and broke Bugs to ride, from a 6 month old colt.

In Late 2002, Shirley received communication from Asahi TV in Japan. The network was aware of her adoption story and wanted to feature her on a new show they were developing. Shirley's was to be the lead story on the opening episode. Off to Japan she went with Doug and five days later, in Osaka, she went live on National TV. It was during this show that Shirley met her maternal half-sister, Yumiko. A close bond was developed and remained for the rest of Shirley's life.

Throughout her life Shirley lived by this motto: Why walk, when you can run? Everyone who knew her, knows this. If you wanted to keep up with Shirley, you better get moving. Family was first in her life. Her two daughters were her best friends, and they talked daily. She was incredibly proud of them both. Shirley and Doug were partners on the farm and they each had control of their half of the barn. Shirley the horse side, Doug the cow side. However, they crossed over easily when one needed the other's help. Shirley had to keep a close watch on Doug, as he would sneak her horse's little flakes of alfalfa. She didn't like this because she said her horses were going to get to fat.

Shirley loved to travel. Travel always involved family, and much fun was had by all on numerous trips both near and far. While Japan was by far her favorite, another adventure she enjoyed in recent years was to Tenerife in the Canary Islands, just off the western coast of Africa. Shirley had been looking forward to another trip to Tenerife with some family this fall. Pinochle was another of Shirley's passions. This was a winter recreation that traveled from house to house. Shirley never missed a pinochle party with her group of best friends. She was a member of the American Legion Post 54 Auxiliary.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Haidie and Shigeko Hirai. She is survived by her husband Douglas Stolp living in Chewelah. Her brother Ken Hirai in Seattle. Her daughter Jenny Love of Spokane, daughter Kumiko Love–Dempsey in Spokane Valley. Stepdaughter Colleen Brosey of Fort Mill, SC, stepson Cordon Stolp in Seattle, WA. Grandson, James Ehrmantraut in Spokane, numerous cousins. In Japan, Shirley is survived by her sister Yumiko Maeda, and two nieces, Riho Maeda, and Ayana Maeda. All live in Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture.

Donations can be made, on behalf of Shirley, to the "Melody Riders Saddle Club" at 3235 Flyckt Rd. Chewelah, WA 99109 {or} "Becky's Best Buddies" at 2323A Burnt Valley Rd., Chewelah,WA 99109.