Shirley Jean (Balzum) Riley, 61, Ada, MN, died Tuesday, February 27, 2018, suddenly and peacefully in her home.

Shirley Jean Balzum was born August 3, 1956, to Ronald and Florence (Aarestad) Balzum in Ada. She attended school in Ada, graduating with the class of 1974. Shirley joined the United States Navy and retired after proudly serving for 21 years. She came back to Ada and worked various jobs. She began working at the Post Office in Ada and was looking forward to retirement later this year.

Shirley loved to crochet, knit and do other crafts. She was able to make almost anything from yarn; from socks, mittens and hats to toys and dolls. She also liked to cook, read and watch classic movies.

Shirley was especially proud of her sons and grandchildren.

Shirley is survived by her two sons: Adam Rudd & Jay Rudd, both of Friday Harbor, WA, four grandchildren: Joe Rudd, Lily Rudd, Damien Rudd and Trista Haring, one sister: Tammy (Bruce) Sargent, of Ada, two brothers: Rick Balzum (Scott Eastvold) of Buffalo, MN, Stacey Balzum of Ada, one niece: Ginny (Sean) Cheatley, one nephew: Mike Erickson, many aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald and Florence and granddaughter, June Rudd.

Memorial visitation: 10:00AM to1:00PM on Thursday, March 8, 2018, at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Ada, Minnesota.