Shirley Mae Ralston, 81, passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2013, at her family home in Taholah, Washington. She was born on March 12, 1931, in Taholah, to Benjamin Charley and Frieda (Strom) Charley. She was an enrolled member of the Quinault Indian Nation.
Shirley grew up in Taholah but briefly lived in Seattle, Washington during World War II, while her father worked as a longshoreman. Shirley attended Moclips High School and was a member of the school choir that gained national recognition; operetta; girls basketball; class treasurer; girls club vice president; school newspaper; and a class play. Shirley was a member of the 1950 Moclips High School graduating class.