Shirley McCracken

Shirley Jean McCracken, of Buckeye, Arizona, passed away on June 25,2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Shirley was born July 24,1932, in Wales, North Dakota, daughter of Joseph Eickenbrock and Jessie Eickenbrock (Helgesen). Shirley attended school in Wales, North Dakota and graduated Valedictorian of her class in 1950. She attended Business College in Fargo North Dakota, and upon completion, worked in the audit department for Sears. In 1954, she joined her best friend, Blanche Welbaum, moving to San Diego, California and continued working at Sears. Shirley married William Joseph McCracken and they resided in San Diego, where Bill was a Lt. in the Sheriff’s Department and Shirley, a devoted wife and mother raising three daughters.

Shirley offered her service and time, volunteering for her church. She also shared how she enjoyed volunteering for El Cajon Civic Center where she ushered and watched many musical artists. Many days were spent with her grandchildren, pitching wiffle balls, walks at the zoo and the beach, and playing games or doing puzzles. She was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed attending baseball games, rooting for the San Diego Padres. She was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and rarely missed watching the games.

She lovingly cared for William until his passing on December 12, 2003 and is survived by her three daughters, Amy McCracken, Carol (Carl) Wieland and Linda McCracken (Chad Slade); grandchildren, Derek McCracken (Rachel Kettering), Ashley Parente (Marquise Muldrow), Jordan (Becca) Parente, Rachel Wieland (Selena Garcia), Conor Platt and Keely Platt; great grandchildren Violet and Evelyn Parente, May McCracken and Marquise Muldrow Jr.; sisters Harriet Dosmann, Grafton North Dakota, Connie Tupa, Thompson North Dakota and many nieces and nephews.

Shirley’s final resting place will be in San Diego, California, with William, interned at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.