Shirley was born on a family farm near Conneautville, Pennsylvania to Earl and Ethelyn Wheeler on April 5, 1928. After high school she worked as a nurse’s aide until she was able to enroll in City Hospital School of Nursing, Cleveland, Ohio.
Shirley graduated in 1952 and later moved to Seattle, Washington where she worked as a Registered Nurse at the Harborview Hospital in the polio ward. 
She married Henry L. Chiles Jr. in 1956. She had five children, Peter, Jodine, Scot, Bret, and Jenine. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Shirley was a wonderful mother, homemaker and Methodist women’s volunteer. She was an active bowler and hiker. She served her church for many years as Financial Secretary, member of the hand-bell choir and participated in more than 20 Volunteer in Mission work teams to Haiti, Mexico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Alaska, Hawaii, the Philippines and Redbird Kentucky.
She was very proud of the Chiles Family Volunteer in Mission team to Alaska in 2004 with 20 family members. She was honored by the women of Bothell UMC for her work in missions.
In retirement, Shirley and Henry moved from Livonia Michigan to Bothell Washington so she could be a grandmother. This was a work of love for her.
Shirley was dearly loved by all members of her extended family. She set an example of living a good Christian life.
She died at Evergreen Hospital after a long courageous fight with lung disease on November23, 2011 surrounded by members of her loving family.
A memorial service will be held at Bothell United Methodist Church 18515 NE 192nd Street Bothell WA. 98011 on Saturday, December 10th at 1:30 p.m. Reception to follow. 425-486-9735
A memorial fund has been set up in her name to help nursing students. Gifts can be made to the Shirley E. Chiles Nursing Scholarship Fund at Bothell United Methodist Church.