Obituary in Spectrum of Cedar City January 29th

Middleton July 8, 1934– January 18, 2012
Shirley Green Middleton of Globe, AZ, passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 in Mesa, AZ after a brief bout with cancer.
She was born on July 8, 1932 in Cedar City, UT to DeVon Pryor Green and Dorothy Dix Green. She grew up in Cedar City, where she was active in high school activities and was a contestant in the Miss Cedar City pageant.
On April 29, 1953, Shirley married Douglas Wade Middleton. hey were married for 22 years, and had two children, Dean and Gail. Doug worked in the mining industry, which gave them the opportunity to live in many interesting places. They spent several years living in Peru, where they met many life long friends. Shirley remembered this time with fondness.
Shirley met and married Tom Woods in Globe AZ. They were later divorced.
Shirley was owner and operator of The Drift Inn in Globe, and after selling it continued to work there until 3 weeks prior to her death. When she wasn’t working her regular shift at the bar, Shirley spent her time gardening. She coaxed heirloom tomatoes, chilies, onions, cucumbers, and more to grow from the Arizona soil, and she was generous in sharing this delicious bounty with everyone. She was also quite the poet, and poured her quick sense of humor into her poems. If you were lucky enough to receive one, you knew you were special.
Shirley was a dedicated football fan. She loved the Dallas Cowboys and loved nothing more than watching a good game and talking shop with her family and her friends at the Drift Inn.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her daughter, Gail. Shirley is survived by her son Douglas Dean Middleton of Globe, AZ; sisters, Barbara Gunnels of Farmington, NM and Elayne Fife of St. George, UT; and one grandchild. She is also survived by her many nieces, nephews and cousins who were privileged to spend much time with her and who will miss her immensely.
A celebration of her life was held in Globe, AZ at the Drift Inn.
Shirley will be remembered with love by her family and many friends for her free and independent spirit, her admirable work ethic, generosity, compassion, and her unfailing service to others. Shirley was a kind and thoughtful person and a heck of a lot of fun.
The family would like to thank her close friends, Lisa and Eileen, who lovingly cared for her during her short illness.