Shirley Mae Hile (née Hickox) passed from this Earth on Friday, April 14th , 2023. She walked with us for 87 Very Good Years.

Shirley was born to Doris Meacham Hickox and Merle Hickox in Stanley, Wisconsin on December 17, 1935 and moved with them to their little farm off Washburn County B just outside of Shell Lake when she was four years old. Brothers Bill and Tom joined the next six years, and family life tucked into the natural world—the warmth of the cow barn, pull of horses Trixie and Trot working the fields, spring times and harvests the seasons round. Here Shirley’s love of the outdoors, animals, and people took root.

A curious and devoted student throughout her life, Shirley studied at Bashaw Elementary School, Shell Lake High School, and on to university and graduate degrees. She lit up classrooms on both sides of the desk, and taught generations of kids first in Spooner then at Shell Lake Elementary—1st , 2nd, 5th grades and last as middle school counselor. Even today we hear fond regards wherever we go: “Favorite teacher. Ever.” “My daughter would not have gotten through first grade without her.” “Gotta say she straightened me out!”

Shirley married Glenn Hile on March 23, 1955 and built a life with him at 512 West Lake Drive where every day began with a cup of coffee and quiet moment taking in the Shell Lake sunrise. Then children Jeff (“the most beautiful, cuddly baby I had ever seen”), Julie, and Jill spilled on scene with their own big hearts, curiosity, high-jinx, and the occasional squabble. School months were packed with school things, and summers Shirley turned them out to adventures in and on the Lake and its environs. In the garden there was always a salt shaker at the end of the row of tomatoes. Permission granted: “Healthy. Eat all you like!”

Shirley wove the United Methodist Church into her family’s life, seeking peace in the sanctuary, harmony in the choir, young people in Methodist Youth Fellowship, strong women in Guild, that cuppa with friends during after-service coffees. She advocated for those less fortunate: the nearby Somali community, Palestinian and Syrian refugees arriving on Greek shores, Mother Earth.

At mid-life Shirley changed gears. Learned to swim. Moved to her farm at W6878 Woodcraft Road. Traveled the world. Greeted customers at Jeff and Chris’s Dancing Bird Studio. Acted on her love of the community: Theater in the Woods, Shell Lake Arts Center, the Washburn County Food Pantry.

She welcomed the kids’ partners and eight grandchildren into her world, commencing the Best Ever Grandma Camps, lawn mower rides, Christmases at the farm, late-night Commando. And pie. She infused their family homes in Cumberland, WI, Normal, IL, and Delta, CO with her Kindnesses, plant starts, laughter, and Deep Conversations. And Yahtzee.

In her later years Shirley returned to the shores of Shell Lake during summertime visits to Bob and Julie’s cabin on Ellwood Beach Road. Upon arrival she would step to the bluff for a quiet moment, a-tuning to the light, finger to the wind, checking for loons. She loved family suppers and sunset pontoon rides there. And she loved her farm. Frequent talks with Jill on Echo. Her Barn. Her tiger lilies and poppies, trumpet vine and hydrangeas, raspberry bushes and apple trees and wild roses, pampas grass. The Woods. Her deer, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, bears, the occasional coyote.

We will remember her daily walks on Woodcraft, keeping healthy, counting goats, horses, calves. Noting this year’s crops of corn, wheat, soy, sunflowers. Eyes to the horizon.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Doris and Merle and brother Tom. She is survived by her brother Bill Hickox (Jean); three children, Jeff Hile (Chris Hopkins Hile), Julie Hile (Bob Broad), and Jill Lamberg (Mark Leger); eight grandchildren, Joshua, Ashley, Megan, and Christopher Lamberg; David (Andria Hall) and Zoe Hopkins Hile; Dylan and Rachel Mae Hile-Broad (Jonathan Seiden), and her darling great grandchild Maisy Putnam.

Family and friends will gather to honor Shirley’s life on Saturday, April 29 at the Shell Lake United Methodist Church, 135 Reinhart Drive. Please join us for conversation from 9-11 am followed by a memorial service at 11 am with a light luncheon afterward. A further celebration of life will be held on Shirley’s farm in late June, details to follow.

Last Update: Apr 23, 2023 3:06 pm CDT