Shirley Louise (Alford) Walker

With heavy hearts we announce the passing away of Shirley recently at her home in Champlain, New York on March 3, 2026. Born on May 28, 1940, in Plattsburgh, NY, she lived in Clinton County, NY her entire life of 85 years. Shirley was raised in Mooers/Mooers Forks, moved to Rouses Point and lived in Champlain for over 50 years. Shirley was the youngest child of Lynn Walter Alford, her father, and Gertrude (Elvidge) Alford, her Mother. Her sisters were Ruth, Betty, Eunice and brother, Harold Alford. They enjoyed living on the family farm on Route 11 in Mooers Forks. Shirley married and had three children: Peggy, Steven and Barbara Walker. She was dedicated to nurturing her children and being a stay at home mom until later in their lives.

A special acknowledgment to caregivers Gary and Mary Bernard and Clinton County Office of the Aging. Shirley was preceded in death by her domestic partner of 40 years, Steve Ashline (2025); father and mother, Lynn and Gertrude (Elvidge) Alford, sister, Ruth and John Mickelson, sister, Betty (Mary Elizabeth) and Martin Morrison, brother, Harold and Shirley Alford and brother-in-law, Leeward Babbie.

Her four fallen angels Devin W, London L, Carter W, and Dustin K.

Faith, Family, Community, Social, Nature and Self were her life's dedications. A lifelong member of Three Steeples United Methodist Church and a dedicated follower of Billy Graham, Shirley exercised her religious beliefs with enthusiasm. She loved attending every Sunday and participating in religious/social events including Sunday School at the church.

Shirley is survived by her sister, Eunice Babbie, NY; daughter, Peggy and Leonard Zuniga from MD; daughter, Barbara and Gary Archer from NY; son, Steven and Alison Walker from FL; granddaughter, Jaime and Douglas Stigler; grandsons, Christopher and Marie Fredette, Jason and Tammy Fredette, Jonathan and Brittany Zuniga, Alexander Archer, Troy and Katherine Archer and Timothy Payne. Shirley is also survived by her beloved four great-granddaughters, six great-grandsons, two great-great-granddaughters and four great-great-grandsons from NY, MD, PA, TN, NC and LA.

She worked at the election polls and was politically active for over 30 years, was a teacher's aide/ principal's secretary at Champlain Elementary (NCCS) and retired after 20 years of service. Shirley enjoyed working at the North Country Golf Course Club House in the summertime and networking with the members. Shirley spent many hours visiting with the elderly at Edgewater Nursing Home in Rouses Point, Meadowbrook Nursing Home in Plattsburgh, caroling at Christmas time and loved to volunteer her time to the church. Shirley was a "social butterfly", she loved to walk, talk, and was outgoing, charismatic and enjoyed the company of everyone she would meet. Her favorite walk was at sunrise or sunset at the Lake Champlain Rouses Point breakwater where she found peace and tranquility. She simply loved nature and being outside. Shirley enjoyed "Yard Sales" with Steve A. and frequented both locally and Warrensburg NY annually. She created crafts and sold them at the Methodist Church Rummage sales. Shirley treasured the holidays, festivities and home cooked meals with the family. She and Steve A. were dedicated to visiting (Gertrude's) Elvidges relatives across the border in Blackpool, Quebec, Canada. Shirley cherished her trip with Steve A. to Las Vegas, Nevada to see the shows and gamble. In the winter she loved opening the blinds and sitting in the sun to warm her soul. She enjoyed watching birds and animals especially cardinals, bluebirds, robins, woodpeckers and whitetail deer. She treasured viewing the moon and stargazing nightly.
Monarch Butterflies, Moose, Flowers, Nature, and Photography were her other favorite interests. And very special thanks to Fluff and Ben, her two unforgettable pets that brought her and Steve A. many years of companionship and entertainment.

Funeral Services:

Open to the Public, Reverend Philip Richards from the Three Steeples United Methodists Church, Champlain, NY will be presiding over the memorial services. Calling hours will be held at Ross Funeral Home, 2586 US 11, on Saturday, May 16th, 2026, between 11am and 1pm. Burial will follow at the Alford Family plot at the Union Cemetery 3317 US-11, Mooers Forks, Clinton County, NY.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Louise (Alford) Walker, please visit our floral store.