Shirley Ann (Blankenship) Gandee, 71, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Friday, December 13, 2024.

Family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at Jones-Harkins Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Salonia Freewill Baptist Church. Mr. Standstipher will be officiating. Burial will follow at Peachland Cemetery in Bengal, Oklahoma under the direction of Jones-Harkins Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Gandee, John Gandee, Logan Gandee, Alessio Boscardi, Landon Walston, Owen Gandee, and Jason Young.

Honorary pallbearers will be Eric, Jason, Adian, Johnny, D.J., Doyle, Lane, Dillion, B.J., Michael, Nick, and E.J.

Honorary pallbearers that have passed but still in our hearts, Wayne Blankenship, Donald Blankenship, Fred Gandee, Christopher Gandee, Kevin Vaden, Samantha Gandee.

Shirley was born on January 7, 1953 in Wilburton, Oklahoma to Donald Blankenship and LaVern (Sutton) Blankenship.

Born and raised in the warm community of Wilburton where she laid the foundations of a life characterized by kindness, dedication, and a zest for the simple joys of life.

After spending over three decades raising a family and supporting her husband’s military career she embarked on a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist at Choctaw Hospital in Talihina, Oklahoma until her well-deserved retirement in 2014.

Shirley's heart was always fullest when surrounded by her family. She married the love of her life, Alfred Gandee, on a beautiful spring day, May 4, 1970, in Salonia, Oklahoma. Their union was blessed with three wonderful sons: Freddie, Marcus, and Kenny.

A woman of faith, Shirley was a devoted member of the Salonia Freewill Baptist Church. Her commitment to her church community was evident in her participation and the joy she found in fellowshipping with her church family.

Shirley's interests and hobbies were as vibrant and varied as her personality. She had a passion for dancing, which she believed was the music's way of expressing joy through the body. Quilting was another of her talents, where each stitch was a testament to her patience and creativity.

An avid shopper, Shirley found delight in the thrill of the hunt, whether it was shopping from home or exploring yard sales for hidden treasures.

Above all, Shirley's most cherished moments were those spent with her grandchildren. Each visit, each hug, each shared laugh was a precious gem in the treasure chest of her heart.

As we say farewell to Shirley, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and joy. Her legacy is one of unconditional love, unwavering faith, and the countless memories she created with all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Shirley is survived by her mother, LaVern Blankenship; her sons: Freddie Gandee and wife, Jenny of Bengal, Oklahoma, Marcus Gandee and wife, Dasha, of Red Oak,and Kenny Gandee and wife, Jennifer of Bentonville, Arkansas; her grandchildren, Jacob Gandee, Logan Gandee, John Gandee, Alessio Boscardi, Landon Walston, Owen Gandee, Gracie Gandee, and Jama Gandee; great-grandchildren: Trisleigh Gandee, Jameson Gandee, Quinn Gandee; her sisters: Loretta Davis and husband, Benny of McAlester, Wanda Christopher and husband, Wayne of Red Oak; her brother-in-law, Michael Gandee and wife, Carol of Dallas, Texas; uncles: H.D. Blankenship of Red Oak, and Dean Sutton of Red Oak; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Shirley is preceded in death by husband, Alfred L. Gandee, Sr.; her grandson, Christopher Leigh Gandee; her granddaughter; Samantha Gandee; brother, Donald Dewayne “Wayne” Blankenship; nephew, Kevin Vaden; father, Donald Blankenship; uncle, John Blankenship; mother and father-in-law, Kenneth Gandee and Veda Gandee; a brother-in-law, Patrick Gandee; and  a mother-in-law, Jean Menear.