Shirley Fahnestock Obituary

Shirley (Murphy) Fahnestock, died at age 79 on May 18 with Alzheimer's disease. Shirley was exceptionally sharp and charming, truly the life of any party or office. She was born in 1942 in Crossett, AR, and raised in San Bernardino, CA, with her three sisters. In 1977, Shirley and then husband, Rich Murphy, moved with her son and daughter from California to Dolores, CO, where they bought the Outpost Motel. In 1980, they moved the kids to a ranch and Shirley took a job as executive assistant to the Cortez city manager. In 1984, her experience, smarts and outgoing nature landed her the job of her dreams: manager of the Durango Chamber of Commerce. She served at the helm through the Chamber's move from North Main to its location on the Animas River. After her divorce from Murphy in 1985, Shirley met (and later married) Jim Fahnestock, a local artist and owner of Durango Signs. Both lovers of the arts, they became immersed in Durango's theater scene and joined the cast of the early Snowdown Follies, with Shirley emceeing as a memorable Mae West. After a year in Malaysia as expatriates and Jim working in outdoor advertising, the two opened Jim's Sign Shop in Fallbrook, CA, where they became active in local theater. Shirley will be dearly remembered for being a loving mother, for her disarming wit, and her ability to elicit the fun. She is survived by her husband, Jim; her children Sean Olson (LeAnn) of Fallbrook; daughter Nancy Olson Shanks (Robert) of Durango; stepchildren Jeff (Cindy), Todd (Lara) and Amy (Sam) Fahnestock (Durango natives); 11 grandchildren (including Mallory and Raeden Shanks of Durango); and two sisters. The family is holding a private celebration of Shirley's life in California. In lieu of flowers, please support the local arts community.