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Edward Shirkey

April 25, 2017
Las Cruces, NM

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Died on April 25, 2017 of a rare neurodegenerative disease called Multiple Systems Atrophy. Born in Augusta, GA, Ed is the son of the late Martha Henry and Donald Edward Shirkey. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather to his wife, Karen Perkins Willis; step-son, John Perkins Willis; John's wife, Miriam; and granddaughters, Xochitl and Itzel Willis, all of Las Cruces. He is also survived by his brother, Robert, and his wife, Linda; his sister, Susan, and her husband, Paul; and nieces and nephews, Zachary, Kezia, and Kiersten; and great-nephew, Oliver, as well as many beloved cousins and friends around the world. Ed grew up in Lawton, MI and attended the University of Michigan, and Western Michigan University. He earned his master's degree at the University of Wisconsin and his Ph.D. from the University of Memphis, specializing in speech therapy, with an emphasis on stuttering therapy. He was fortunate to study with C. Van Riper, premier specialist in stuttering and the author of many textbooks, whom he considered a life-long friend. Ed also provided speech therapy for children at public schools in Albuquerque and Silver City. Though he loved Michigan, he especially enjoyed exploring the canyons, mountains, and deserts of the southwest, especially in Arizona and New Mexico. He was an avid camper, backpacker and hiker. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Stefan Schaefer, M.D. (premier doctor of the word), Jill Marjama-Lyons, M.D., Javed Iqbal, M.D. who first diagnosed Ed's condition, Traci Obman, R.N. of Matrix Home Health (premier nurse of the world) and the staff at Good Samaritan. Special thanks to Ed's hospice nurse, Charlotte, and the rest of the staff at Mesilla Valley Hospice who provided such loving care. No services are planned, but memorial donations may be made to the MSA Coalition, the Lawton, MI Public Library or Mesilla Valley Hospice. Arrangements are with La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home. To send condolences go to www.lapaz-grahams.com.