Shirley Rae Severa

Shirley Rae Severa, 79, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully at her home, on March 13, 2021, with her family by her side. She was under the loving care of her two sons, Joe and John, and Hands of Hope Hospice.

Shirley was born on October 30, 1941, to John “Jack” Staley and Doris L. King in Idaho Falls. Her parents later divorced, and her mother married a wonderful man named John A. Emmitt, who then became dad to Shirley and her two younger siblings. Her mother and father were blessed with two more children, completing a wonderful family of seven.

As a young child, she and the family lived in several different states when her dad would start a new job or open a new business. This made her childhood very exciting, and she was able to make many new friends easily. She graduated from Washington High School in Fremont, California, in 1960.

It was in Fremont where she met and married Manuel J. Severa. She soon became a loving mother to Joseph M., on March 16, 1963, and John F., on December 23, 1964. Her two boys were always her pride and joy. She and Manuel were later divorced, and she stayed in California until 1977 when she moved back to Idaho Falls to be near most of her family.

Throughout her life, she worked in various jobs, mostly as a bookkeeper. Her last positions were at the Development Workshop and H & K Contractors. She retired in 2011.

Shirley enjoyed planting and harvesting her vegetable garden and working in her yard planting beautiful flowers, especially roses. They were always admired by her neighbors and visitors. She enjoyed crocheting, collecting holiday Barbie dolls, Beanie Babies, and Elvis memorabilia. Most of all, she loved getting together with the family on birthdays, holidays, and anytime there was a party.

Shirley is survived by her sons, Joe and John; sister, Sandy Poole; and sister-in-law, Tammy Emmitt, all of Idaho Falls, ID. She is also survived by her brother, John (Tina) Emmitt of Fairview Park, OH, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; her little sister, Lori Lynn; her younger brother, Fred; and many loving aunts and uncles.

A graveside service will be held at 12 noon Friday, March 19, 2021, at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends from 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue.