Shirley Ann (Hopfe) Millenacker, 91, passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2019.

Shirley was born on Feb. 22, 1928, in Austin, Minnesota. She grew up in Austin, where she met Orville Millenacker. They were married on Jan. 12, 1947.

Shirley and Orville relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1957 with their son and two daughters. After being a stay-at-home mother for 25 years, Shirley began her college career and graduated with honors from Arizona State University with a double major in elementary education and home economics. She taught school for two years and retired from teaching due to pressing health concerns.

Shirley received one of the earliest kidney transplants in 1983. Her kidney functioned for 36 years, which exceeded the 10 to 15-year average for most transplanted kidneys. She was always incredibly grateful for the donation that gave her a second chance at life.

Shirley was known for her exceptional cooking and baking. She was a perfectionist in the kitchen and it was reflected in all that she made. She was also an amazing seamstress and could create the most creative clothing or home décor and was sought after throughout her life for her recommendations and skill set. She had a gift of adding the right touch to make something simple look outstanding.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Orville; son, Dennis; and grandson, Robert. She is survived by her daughters, Candyce Henry and Debra Kuhn (Steve); grandchildren, Julie Millenacker (Joe Yepes), Eric Henry, Craig Henry, Tiffany Stuart (Nate) and Lindsey Shooter (DJ); great-grandchildren, Alexandra Millenacker, Andrew Yepes-Millenacker, Cadence Heiner, Taryn Heiner, Ella Henry, Beau Shooter, Ellie Shooter and Monroe Shooter; and sister, Lois Freeberg Requa.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable contribution to Donor Network of Arizona in honor of Shirley. Visit www.dnaz.org for additional information on donating.