She was the first-born daughter to Verl and Alma Van Natter on February 3, 1948, in Alberta and spent her formative years in Grande Prairie, Alberta. In 1969, she met Leroy Haugan, a handsome Saskatchewan boy, while attending Sexsmith Bible College. It was love at first sight. They married in October, 1969.
Their first child, Deborah, arrived in 1971. In 1974, the small family moved to Peace River, Alberta. Soon after they were delighted with the arrival of their son, Darcy in 1975. Their family was complete. Shirley worked diligently and closely with Leroy at Kal Tire, all the while supporting and loving her children, grandchildren, and all those who she called her “very good friend”.
After 40 years in Peace River, in 2016 Shirley and Leroy retired and moved to join Darcy and his family in Humboldt, Saskatchewan while he coached the 2015 - 2018 seasons for the Humboldt Broncos. In 2019, they moved to Cochrane, Alberta and finally to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
Shirley is survived by her husband Leroy Haugan; her daughter Deborah (Haugan) Carpenter (Andrew) of Red Deer, Alberta; her daughter in law Christina (George) Haugan (Darcy) of Spruce Grove, Albera; Shirley’s siblings Timothy Van Natter (Janet Theissen), Theodore Van Natter (Jeanne Plante), Esther (Van Natter) MacPherson (Wes); her grandchildren Rebekkah (Carpenter) Traptow, Sarah (Carpenter) Hope (Cole), Joshua Carpenter (Sonia), Caleb Carpenter, Grace Carpenter, Carson Haugan and Jackson Haugan; and her great grandchildren Eve, Eli and Lucas; sister in law Deanna Sundby.
She is predeceased by her son, Darcy Haugan (2018) and her brother Robert Van Natter (2022.)
Shirley will be deeply and profoundly missed by so many more extended family members and friends that are too numerous to name. She held each and every one of them so very close to her heart: A heart that was far bigger than you would have thought possible for such a tiny lady. She will be remembered most fondly for her wonderful smile and contagious laughter, her incredible wisdom, her sincere gift of hospitality and most importantly, her unfailing love for Jesus.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 5, 2023 at 1:30PM at Hillcrest Church in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan 1550 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK.
In lieu of flowers the family wishes in honor of Shirley’s gift of hospitality, you show the same kindness of hospitality to others while thinking of Shirley.
In living memory of Shirley, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).
Dayna Chamberlain- Funeral Director/Cerys Doan – Funeral Director Intern