Shirley Esslinger

Shirley Welt-Esslinger

It is with the saddest of hearts that the family of Shirley share the news of her passing. Shirley was born, August 28, 1939. She was raised in Edmonton, Alberta with her three brothers, Robert, Don (Anna) and Rick by their parents Bob and Irma Saunders. She married Carl Welt, the love of her life for over 45 years, on December 10,1955. They settled into a busy life of raising their family of 3 sons, Chris (Diana), Doug and Carl Jr. and 1 daughter Laura (Jerry) Slater. Shirley loved to cook, travel, sew, and play cards. Many Sunday’s were spent with her family at the lake boating, water skiing, laying on the beach and picnicking. Family was the most important thing to Shirley. She was always inviting her family members over for Sunday dinners. Holiday gatherings with family in Edmonton was always looked forward to. Many trips a year taken to Edmonton to be with family for those special holidays. She also enjoyed spending time with her and Carl’s few close friends playing cards, and being involved in the Stock Car Club of North Battleford. Shirley lost her husband,Carl, on December 9, 2000 after his hard battle with cancer. She remarried on July 20, 2002, to Edward Esslinger. Ed lost his first wife to cancer as well so they both knew the heart ache of losing a dear spouse to an ugly disease. Shirley and Ed moved to North Battleford in 2005 to be close to her daughter, Laura and her family. Sadly, Ed passed away on January 3, 2017. Shirley adored her 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, as well as her many nieces and nephews. Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Bob and Irma Saunders, Carl Welt (1st husband), Ed Esslinger 2nd husband, Doug Welt (son), Mason Latus- Schrader great-grandson. Shirley was truly a lovely woman with a heart of gold. She was loving, compassionate, giving and gave the warmest, comforting and welcoming hugs. She will be missed by everyone who loved her. Donations  in memory can be made to the Battlefords Animal Shelter. The family would like to give a huge heart felt thank you to the nurses and CCAs at River Heights Lodge for their excellent care of Shirley over the past two years and for giving their support to her family during their time of loss. A very special thank you to Trevor Watts and the caring staff at Eternal Memories for the support and compassion at this very difficult time. Arrangements are entrusted to Vanessa Macnab of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium.