It is with deep loss and regret that we announce the passing of Shirley E. Alger-Remington on March 8, 2009. Shirley was born on July 29, 1927, in Anacortes. She graduated from Anacortes High School and moved to Eugene, Ore., where she met and married her first husband, Gale W. Alger. Shirley worked as a secretary and Gale worked for Pope and Talbot lumber mill. Gale went to work for the U.S. Forest Service in 1958 and in 1960, they were transferred to Marblemount, Wash., where they worked of the Forest Service and the National Park Service. Shirley also worked for the Concrete School District as the superintendent’s secretary.

She was an avid horsewoman and a 4-H leader for over 30 years. She started the Lucky Fours Horse 4-H Club in Marblemount and participated in the Skagit County Fair for many years. In 1980, Shirley and Gale moved to Whidbey Island, where they managed the M Bar C Ranch for the next five years. Shirley helped to start the equine therapeutic riding program now known as H.O.P.E. She also helped to start the riding program for special-needs children and adults that is still running at the M Bar C Ranch.

Shirley started another 4-H club called the Cavaletti Kids, the first all-English 4-H riding club on the island. She was involved with the Island County Fair for many years. Shirley taught many children to ride, both Western and English style, and passed her horse training knowledge onto her children. In 1987, Shirley and Gale moved to Yakima, where they lived until Gale’s passing in 1995. Shirley continued to work for the U.S. Forest Service there until 1997 when she moved back to Whidbey Island.

In 1999, she remarried to Roland Remington, a long-time resident of the island and friend of the family. Her husband Roland, her son Phil Alger and his wife Sharie, her daughter Kim and her husband Ron Olmstead and a granddaughter Tailynn Olmstead survive Shirley.

A memorial service is planned for a later date at the M Bar C Ranch in Freeland, on Whidbey Island. The date will be announced in May.

Ride into the sunset Mom, we love you.

Arrangements have been entrusted unto the care and direction of Affordable Burial & Cremation Services, LLC of Mount Vernon. Cards of condolence may be mailed to the family in care of the Funeral Home.