Shirley May Torrey

Shirley Torrey, 85, of Unionville, MO, passed away at the Putnam County Memorial Hospital in Unionville, MO, on Saturday, June 29, 2013.

Shirley May (Metcalf) Torrey was born in Dunmore, PA, on January 10, 1928, the daughter of Orville and Mabel (Compton) Metcalf, who preceded her in death. She married Stillman Edward (S.E.) Torrey in Elizabeth City, NC, on June 12, 1955, and he preceded her in death on January 8, 2002. S.E. was a career navy man and so Shirley followed him to various posts. In addition, Shirley worked in clerical positions with the Department of Defense. When S. E. was on board ships Shirley made her home along the eastern seaboard. They lived three and one-half years in England before S. E’s retirement in 1969 when they returned to the Powersville, MO, area, S. E’s home.

Shirley helped work on the farm and enjoyed raising a garden, from which she canned many goods. She was a wonderful cook and also loved to raise flowers. She liked to work crossword puzzles and loved to read. Shirley had a quiet and reserved personality, but was always pleasant and nice to those she met.

Shirley is survived by a daughter, Janice Stephens, of Tallahassee, FL and by a son, Mark Torrey of Unionville, MO. Three grandsons survive, Vinnie Torrey, Brandon Baze Torrey and his wife Nicole, and Steven Torrey. Surviving great granddaughters are Alexandria and Alexis Baze.

In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by three sisters, Gloria McNight, Billie Ruxton, and Francis Coder.

According to Shirley’s wishes, her body was cremated and a private family graveside service will be held at the Powersville Cemetery.

Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565, is in charge of the arrangements.