Shirley Ann Slusher

Shirley Ann (Tarbutton) Slusher passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in McAllen, Texas on January 3, 2026. She was 85 years old. Shirley was born on Friday the 13th, 1940 in McAllen, Texas to James Herbert Tarbutton and Lois Elizabeth Tarbutton. Except for the 1st and 2nd grade when the family lived in Rio Grande City, Shirley spent her entire life in McAllen, Texas. Shirley graduated from McAllen High School in 1958. She loved her high school years where many of her lifelong friendships were made. This is also where Shirley met the love of her life, Boone, who graduated in the same class as Shirley. What started out as a friendship grew into a lifelong love affair while they both attended Pan American University. Also, while at Pan American University, Shirley earned her teaching degree. After graduating, Shirley started teaching in 1962 at Sam Houston Elementary. After Boone completed law school, the two were married in 1966.

Shirley taught for the McAllen Independent School District for 40 years. Shirley spent most of these years teaching American History to eighth graders at Morris Middle School. Shirley absolutely loved teaching and history. After retiring, Shirley worked the last 20 years of her life keeping the books, her husband, and her son organized at their law office, Slusher and Associates.

Shirley took a 10-year hiatus from teaching to raise her two sons. During this time, Shirley spent day and night caring for her children. A lot of the time included the McAllen Swim Club. As a onetime President of the swim club, most of Shirley's summers while raising her boys involved taking her two sons across town for twice-a-day practice and across the state of Texas to swim in meets.

Also, during this period, Shirley was incredibly involved in the McAllen Junior Service League. Some of her favorite projects during her time with the junior league included the La Pinata Cookbook, the puppet educational program performed in local elementary schools, PDAP and Dias Festivas.

Shirley was also an avid Tennis player and fan of the sport winning multiple doubles matches with her sister Darlene at the McAllen Country Club. In addition, she was active in her book review club and local PEO Chapter.

Aside from helping her husband and son at their law firm, Shirley was a full-time grandma to Chloe and Katy Slusher. These duties included being a chauffeur, food delivery service, and shoulder to cry on. Grandma Shirley's life got more interesting upon the arrival of two new grandchildren, Jake and Victoria. When they were younger, Jake and Victoria spent every Friday night with Grandma while Mom and Dad had date night. Needless to say, her grandchildren were the center of Shirley's world.

Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband Boone Slusher, her parents James and Lois Tarbutton, her brother Sonny Tarbutton, and her sister Glenda Tarbutton. Shirley leaves her oldest son, Chan (Vanessa) Slusher, and their children Chloe, Katy, Jake, and Victoria. She also leaves her younger son, Matt (Vitalie) Slusher, and their kids, Boone and Pierre. Finally, Shirley leaves behind her wonderful sister, Darlene Hart, brother-in-law, Jack Hart, and sister, Dorothy Tarbutton.

A funeral service will be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Friday, the 9th of January at Kreidler Funeral Home. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Hart, Jasen Hart, Brad Hart, Mark Wilkins, Brad Williams, and Jake Slusher. Please direct notes of sympathy to: Channing Slusher, 211 Ben Hogan, McAllen, Texas 78504. Memorials may be made to the McAllen Boy's Club or a charity of your choice.