Shirley Leola Boxx Sanders, our mom, grandma, me-maw, and GG “that’s cause I’m great grandma,” as she would say, left this world early January 4, 2025. Born November 27, 1936 to Lola and Sherwood Boxx in Doctor’s Inlet, Florida, she was their 8th child and a member of the LDS church She was always ready to tell you that the Knight-Boxx Road in Orange Park, FL, was named after her family.
Family defined her. She was active in PTA, a Girl Scout leader for several years, and a dedicated band mom. She was a supportive and devoted wife to her husband, Ken, learning to sail boats, go tent camping, and all sorts of landscaping projects. She was always there for her girls as they took music lessons, played in concerts and did art exhibits. All the time sewing everything from baby clothes, dresses, Dad’s suits, and wedding gowns.
In Mom’s later years her sewing talents turned from clothing, boat canvas work, and finally to quilts. Shirley LOVED to make quilts, especially large ones. She had a real gift for color and putting togeher patterns and prints that were amazing.
We will always remember her mischevious smile, the billions of fabric pieces sorted by color, her love of all that is gold, red, and chandeliers, and mostly the pride and joy she had for her family.
Shirley leaves behind a sister, Jenny Lee, of Twin Falls, ID, daughters Coni (Benson) Birchwood, Cyndi (Robert) Hartzell; grandchildren Charles (Sheri) Birchwood, Natalie Birchwood, Darren (Gabrielle) Hartzell, great grandchildren Chester, Henry, Walter and Samuel Birchwood, and Hadley Hartzell; also many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
Coni and Cyndi would like to especially thank and give big hugs to Her Heart Gardens, ALF and all our “family” there. You all are simply the best! We could not have done it without all your love and care for Mom. We would also like to thank Haven Hospice for coming along side too. Your care and compassion until the end made the journey so much better for Mom.
Please join us to remember Mom and all the joy she brought to our lives: — and wear something RED! She really did not like black!
Fraser Funeral Home Chapel
Fraser Funeral Home
Riverside Memorial Park
Charles Clark
January 6, 2025, 4:46 pm
Im sorry for your loss Cyndi. Sounds like she was a great lady.
Lola Boxx Stickney
January 6, 2025, 4:53 pm
Oh how I love my Aunt Shirley! We were only 7 years apart in age. I was her Bridesmaid at Wedding to Ken💞 Families are Forever ❣️
Diane Boxx Wilford
January 6, 2025, 6:25 pm
What a beautiful tribute to our Aunt Shirley ❤️ I will forever cherish the figurines you gave me and the beautiful blue quilt! Although you will be missed
you will Forever in my heart❣️
Becky Shaw
January 7, 2025, 10:09 am
We loved our Aunt Shirley so much! She was our dad’s baby sister and always stayed close to us after his passing 41 years ago. I was privileged to receive one of beautiful quilts this past summer and will always cherish it! You will be missed by all Aunt Shirley but know you are happy to be reunited with Uncle Ken and your family ❤️
Tammy Siddell-Coleman
January 9, 2025, 6:38 pm
My favorite memory of Aunt Shirley was after my son was born. I came through when Liam was about 6 months old and she was kind enough to let us bunk at her house. She was so sweet with him, laughing and playing with him. She was a lovely person and our family was all the better for having her in it.