Ode to an Older Time: Shirley Hansen-Luiten-Hall

Shirley remembered how, as a child, she would frequently visit her grandparents house on Kelly Hill, and how they would take her to dances held at the Old School House where she'd dance with all the other kids. 

At Christmas time, Shirley said her grandparents had a horse and a sleigh they would use to go out and pick a big tree to bring home. She shared that she also loved helping her grandmother in the garden and with the canning that came along with it too. Going to her grandparents was her favorite activity when she was younger, and Shirley said she loved spending time with them. 

Shirley recalled that she had many odd jobs when she was younger, including babysitting when she was as young as 11. At age 15, she started a summer job at the Roy Ron Motel, and then worked at the theater when she was 16. In high school, Shirley said she joined the International Order of Job's Daughters, a youth leadership organization for young women based on the biblical story of Job from the Old Testament. She said that her favorite subject in school was gym, and that she was part of a bowling league; the school’s team name was the Gutterettes. Shirley said their team won the National League Championships for bowling one year; she said she bowled a 300, and earned a trophy. 

Shirley graduated from Colville High School and married Jim Luiten in 1954. Afterwards, she said she worked for the school lunch program for 10 years. Shirley said she had four children: Jack (1957), Cindy (1960), Dale (1962), and Jake (1964). She said she had to quit her job at the school, but soon a friend told her about a position at the Stevens County Courthouse. She became a courthouse clerk, where she worked for 12 years. 

Shirley remarried Ron Hall in 1990, and said that they began riding horses together. After retirement, Shirely rode more, eventually taking up barrel racing. She said one of her fondest memories was traveling to watch the Kentucky Derby. Shirley said she was an avid traveler, and would go on trips with her husband, her brother Wayne and his wife, and her brother Steve, competing in horse races and earning enough money to continue racing. Now, Shirley said, her favorite thing to do is be at her ranch, taking care of all her plants and animals. In the summer, two of her children, Jake and Cindy, come live with her. Jake said, “Being at my moms is like having room service, probably the best resort in the world.” When asked if she had advice for younger generations, Shirley said “Follow your dreams, and you’ll find joy along the way.”