Shirley Ewing passed away peacefully on Dec. 30, 2025, in Scottsdale, Arizona, surrounded by her family.
Born Shirley Pearson on Nov. 27, 1935, in Pitkin, she was the daughter of Arthur and Thelma Pearson. Shirley grew up in the high mountain communities of Pitkin and Whitepine, where she attended a one-room schoolhouse and formed lifelong memories of tight-knit community, hard work, and simple joys. In Whitepine, she worked alongside her mother in the boarding house, serving the rough-and-rugged miners who passed through.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Pearson. She is survived by her brother, Gary Pearson, of Gunnison.
A dedicated lifelong learner with a passion for education and personal growth, Shirley ventured far beyond her rural origins in pursuit of higher learning. She earned multiple degrees from Biola University and Fresno State University in California, as well as Western State College in Colorado — including a master’s degree. This strong academic foundation equipped her for a lifetime of meaningful service, teaching and sharing her faith with others.
Shirley is survived by her first husband, William V. Bickley of Clovis, California, the father of their two sons: Bill Bickley (deceased) and Tim Bickley of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Pitkin.
In 1993, Shirley married Glenn Ewing in Pitkin, beginning a cherished chapter filled with adventure, love and dedicated ministry. Together they lived a full and eventful life, touching countless hearts through selfless service. Their treasured missionary trips to Mexico, Cyprus, and Sturgis, South Dakota — as well as their heartfelt prison ministry, where they wrote letters, encouraged inmates and pointed them toward the Lord — stand out among many joyful memories of spreading the Gospel and building relationships across cultures.
Shirley delighted in life’s simple pleasures: studying her Bible daily, playing board games with family and friends, reading inspirational books (and authoring her own), baking homemade treats for family and church gatherings and sharing stories of her travels and faith with anyone who would listen. She especially cherished time in the Colorado mountains — whether hiking gentle trails, riding their ATV, or simply soaking in the quiet beauty of Pitkin.
She is survived by her son Tim Bickley; her grandchildren, Matthew, Rachael, and Samuel; and her five great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy and pride in her later years. She also leaves behind many dear friends who became like family through her warm hospitality and unwavering kindness.
Shirley will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all whose lives she brightened with her strong faith, gentle spirit, devotion to the Lord and generous heart.
A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held in Gunnison in July 2026. Details will be forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to: Christ Church International, P.O. Box 250, Ness City, KS 67560 in Shirley’s memory.
Shirley’s legacy of faith, education, family love, and selfless service will live on in the lives she touched and the love she shared so freely. Rest in peace, dear Shirley — your work on earth is complete and your reward is great.
