Shirley Raye Gregg

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Raye Gregg of Roseville, California on July 24, 2026.

Shirley was born on April 19, 1945, in San Diego, California, and was raised in Enid, Oklahoma, by her parents, Donald and Thelma Zellweger. It has been suggested that she gave them a “run for their money” while growing up and she quickly earned a reputation as the adventurous aunt and cousin in her extended family that was endlessly entertained by stories of her running off to another state at the age of sixteen in an attempt to marry her high school sweetheart and, later, heading to California in the late 1960’s to start the next chapter of her life.

Shirley worked for many years in the banking industry in the Sacramento area where she met lifelong friends who continued to play a major role in her life after retirement and became family members to her. She loved fast cars, bold jewelry, and marriage. At least, we assume she loved marriage since she participated in four (almost five) of them throughout her lifetime. Her second marriage, to Bill Lee, resulted in the birth of her beloved son, J.B. Lee, who remained by her side until the very end. Shirley was fiercely proud of her son—even if she occasionally reminded him that he had a bit of a smart mouth.

In the early 1990’s Shirley met a young woman working in the baby department at Weinstock's and immediately decided she wanted to keep her around. She confidently announced that she would be bringing her son to meet her the very next day. The young woman politely brushed her off, assuming Shirley was just being chatty and friendly. As it turns out, Shirley really did return the next day with J.B., under the rather flimsy excuse of shopping for a shovel. That young woman, Tonya, went on to experience Shirley's delightful brand of amusing antics for many years, becoming her daughter-in-law after marrying J.B. in 1992.

Shirley adored her two grandchildren, Trevor and Camryn, and with them came the title she cherished most: "Nammy." It was not a role she took lightly. She made it her mission to ensure her grandchildren were thoroughly and unapologetically spoiled, and she succeeded spectacularly.

Shirley refused to let age slow her down. She continued to wear bright colors, enjoy generous amounts of peanut butter whiskey, and decorate her home with signs that were just inappropriate enough to make visitors laugh. She traveled extensively with her close Red Hat friends and even spent a short time living in Africa - just another adventure in a life that was never short on them.

In her final years, Shirley's memory was taken from her by dementia, stealing many of the beautiful moments she had collected throughout her life. Yet even as her memories faded, her vibrant spirit never did. She continued to fill the lives of her family with laughter, unexpected antics, and her unmistakable personality.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Thelma Zellweger and her sister Doris Blockcolsk. She is survived by her devoted son, J.B. and her carefully pre-selected daughter-in-law, Tonya; her wonderfully spoiled grandchildren, Trevor (Breana) Lee and Camryn Lee; great-grandchildren, Walker and Brayton Lee; stepchildren, Kathy White and Bill (Kelly) Lee; many nieces and nephews; and her faithful furry companion, Zoe.

At her request, a small private family Celebration of Life will be held and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local Humane Society in Shirley’s memory.

And finally, we ask that you keep Pottery World, Nordstrom, Talbots and Chico's in your thoughts, as they are undoubtedly experiencing a significant decline in profits following the loss of one of their very best customers.