Shirley (Jackson) Hren

    Shirley Yvonne Hren was born in Seattle, WA to Andrew Jackson and Mary Attleson Jackson on July 18, 1930. She was the youngest of five children: Andrew, Juanita, Colleen and Darrell. Shirley spent her childhood on her family’s small farm helping gather eggs and playing with the calves. She often remarked about what a hard worker her mother was during this time, and how much she respected and loved her. Shirley’s life went on to prove the work ethic and determination she learned during her childhood growing up during the Great Depression. She graduated from Franklin High School in 1948 and continued on to Central Washington University. She began her career as a Comptometer Operator, and later moved to work in the Safeway Bakery when her children were older.

     Shirley met Frank Hren at the Holly Park Safeway as young teens. Frank immediately thought she was cute, and they attended high school together, but never dated during high school. They finally began dating in 1950, and quickly fell in love. They were married June 9, 1951 when Shirley was 20. Frank and Shirley enjoyed raising their family in Seattle, and later moved to the Kent area in 1969, where they spent the rest of their life together. 

    Shirley is survived and will be deeply missed by her children, Cheryl (Steve) Budinich, Judy McDaniels, Deborah (Greg) Adams and Gary Hren; and sister, Colleen Roulst.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jim, (Keli) Budinich, Jaime (Josh) Christian, Joseph Budinich, Josh (Kristle) Budinich Jeff (Sherdian) Budinich, Scott (Karen) McDaniels, Ashley (Zach) Hale, David McDaniels, Kyle (Laura) Maxwell, Kadee (Anthony) Huling, Abbie (Daniel) Orr, Caleb Maxwell, Sarah (Brad) Miller, Tosha (Dane) Missel and Gary Joe Hren; great-grandchildren, Elle, Jordan, Isaac, Matthew, Jameson, Kingsley, Lennox, Raymond, Robert, Emmalie, Asher, Vincent, Blakely, Priscilla, Guy, Lucah and Jake. She was preceded in death by her husband Frank Hren; her parents Andrew and Mary Jackson; sister Juanita Candee; brothers Andrew & Darrell Jackson; and great grandson Preston. 

     As a young girl, Shirley loved spending time outdoors in the sunshine. She never wore shoes in the summer and would spend hours basking in the sun. She grew to love gardening and passed on her love of working outside to all of her children. Her grandchildren cherish their memories of picking berries and playing in the garden with her. 

    She was a woman of many pleasures; never passing up the opportunity for sweets and a glass of good red wine. In any gathering you would find her playing with children and beaming while she held babies. Every one of her grandchildren have fond memories of the time they spent with her- from learning to whistle and blow bubbles to having her teach them to box and encouraging them to “put ‘em up.” These were the times that brought her the greatest joy, and also gave her family the best memories. She was fortunate to spend her last years in the home of her daughter and surrounded by all of the people that loved her.  Even in her last moments, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were by her side.

     The most powerful legacy Shirley leaves behind is her deep love of family. In her last conversations she told her children “I love my family from my toes,” and she did. We are forever grateful for the love she showed to each and every one of us. Her legacy is most obvious when her family is together, loving one another and making memories. 

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