Obituary of Shirley May Gaines

Our beloved Shirley May Gaines who was 80 years old and lived in Desert Hot Springs California, went to be with the Lord in heaven on February 12th, 2016 at 8:50 pm. She passed away in her home as she wished, in her bed surrounded by her family that loves her. She did not suffer in pain. Shirley was born in Flint Michigan to Hattie and Byron Sickles in 1935. Shirley married twice. Her second marriage being to Wilbur Gaines whom she was married to until his passing in 2004. During her long life she was a homemaker, a server at El Rancho restaurant, half of the managerial team with her husband Wilbur at the mobile home park in which they lived and many more things to each of us personally. She lived in the Desert View mobile home park since 1985. She managed it for over a decade and lived there until her passing on February 12th. In 2005 she had a heart attack which caused her to need personal care. The last 11 years she well cared for by her daughter Denise. Shirley had Denise in her home everyday which brought her great comfort, care, joy and love. They were best friends. Shirley felt that until the end. She brought joy to those that knew her with her unique sense of humor. In the last years of her life, she enjoyed doing the crossword puzzle that came in the morning newspaper. Most recently she also had a companion, friend and helper in Kenny, Denise's husband. He would bring her that paper every morning as well as prepare her meals and help her with anything she needed. She was well cared for and loved. She enjoyed her coffee, cigarettes and sweets. She had two fur babies (dogs), Itsy and Tiki as well. They brought her happiness and always wanted to be in her lap. Her last years consisted of watching westerns, Family Feud, Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune and crime shows with her family. Shirley is survived by her sister Lillian Wells. Her children Jesse (Marian) Gaines and Denise (Kenny) Smith-Payne. Her grandchildren Byron Gaines, Jason Payne, Lyndra Payne, Ryan (Danni) Gaines, Kimberly (Joseph) Varela and Francis Gaines. As well as 5 great grandchildren. There will be a viewing available for personal relatives only at Wiefel's & Sons on February 24th at 10:am. The address of the viewing is 50 Nicolet st Banning, CA 92220. Their phone number is 951.849.4527. Shirley's funeral will be held at Summit Cemetery on February 24th at 11:am. The address is 2201 N San Gorgonio ave. Banning, CA 92220. Their phone number is 951.849.3725. If you have any questions, you can contact Denise Payne at 760.218.8142. Shirley did ask her hospice nurse about heaven 4 days before she passed. We do believe she is in heaven with all the others we have lost, dancing. May you rest in peace Shirley. Thank you for every moment you added to our lives. You were and always will be loved more than you know. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27