Shirley Yvonne Custer (nee Bakken) | Obituary

December 31, 1935 – April 27, 2025

Shirley Yvonne Custer (nee Bakken) was born in Valley City, N. D. She and her family moved to the Seattle area when Shirley was a young girl. She attended grade school and high school in Renton. After graduating from Renton High Shirley attended the U. W. Her passions were art, design, music, tennis and skiing. She played the French Horn and Piano. Shirley married Dave Smith and they had one son, Derek Smith. Eventually Shirley remarried in 1966 to Bert Custer. They spent several years traveling the U.S. and Europe for Bert’s military career, and during this time Shirley completed her BFA degree in interior design. She and Bert eventually retired to the Renton area and built a beautiful home on Renton Hill. Shirley spent 43 years in that home, where she entertained and nurtured and loved her close and extended family until her death. She is survived by her son Derek and grand-daughter Savannah, who will miss her every day. She is also survived by beloved sister-in-law Gina, sister-in law Lia, brother-in-law Steve, niece Rose, nephew Tim, niece Erika, niece Ingrid, nephew Kjell, grand nephew Daniel, brother-in-law Frank, and cousin Bob. She will be missed by her many loving friends as well. Shirley remained an avid skier and tennis player through most of her life. She continued to be an artist and a musician. She gave generously of her heart and spirit, and was a lauded volunteer for the American Cancer Society for many years. Rest in peace, mom. You have inspired us all. I love you.