Shirley Ann Bomford's Obituary
Shirley Routt Bomford, longtime resident of Miami, Oklahoma, passed away at home on July 20, 2016 after an extended illness. She is survived by her husband, Tom S Bomford, of the home; by her daughter, Barbara Bomford Newman, Tulsa, Oklahoma; and by her 3 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. They are Laura Newman Wojtalik and husband Tim, son Zack and daughter Audrey of Louisville, Colorado; Debbie Newman Graham and husband Jeff, daughter Maddie and son Tommy of Norman, Oklahoma; and Thomas Jeff Newman and wife Liz, son Ames and daughter Cate of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is also survived by 4 nieces and 2 nephews and their families.
Shirley was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, on December 17, 1925 to Loda Gilman Routt and James Stanley Routt. She graduated from Okmulgee High school in May, 1943, and was an active member of her family's church, the First Christian Church in Okmulgee in her early years. After attending the University of Oklahoma and Duke University she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish from the University of Oklahoma in May of 1947. She married Tom Bomford on December 22, 1947 and moved to Miami, Oklahoma in June, 1948.
Shirley was active in her church, the First Presbyterian Church of Miami, and had an especially strong fondness for the teenage Sunday School class that she taught. She served on the board of a local bank. She served on the NEO A & M College Foundation under 3 presidents and was a strong booster of the Sooners. She and her husband Tom were partners in Bomford Farms for 20+ years. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and remained active as an alumna.
Shirley participated in many community groups including PEO. She was a skilled business person, golfer, duplicate bridge player, writer and artist. She was an avid traveler and sailor, taking Boat of the Year at Grand Lake on her family's boat. Shirley was a lover of the arts and enjoyed museums, the ballet and musical productions. For a time she mentored Juan Pablo Alvarez, an international student living with a Miami family, to help him learn English and do well academically.
Shirley treasured her family, shared many adventures with them and was always supportive. They also treasured their Mimi and she will be missed.
Arrangements are under the direction of Brown-Winters Funeral Home. A visitation is scheduled at Brown-Winters Funeral Home on Sunday July 24, 2016 from 2-4pm. A Celebration of Shirley's life is scheduled at 1:00 pm on Monday July 25, 2016, at the First Presbyterian Church of Miami with a reception to follow. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to her church, The First Presbyterian Church of Miami.
What’s your fondest memory of Shirley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shirley?
Share a story where Shirley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shirley you’ll never forget.
How did Shirley make you smile?
