Obituary of Patricia Shirley

Patricia K. Shirley passed away unexpectedly at her Tucson home on September 15, 2019.  She was born September 1, 1945 in the state of Washington and moved to Phoenix at a young age.  She attended college in Phoenix and taught school there before moving to Tucson.  On July 4, 1976 she married Dr. Dale Shirley, a dentist.  In addition to managing the dental clinic in Tucson, Patti trained their thoroughbred race horses which they raced in Arizona and New Mexico. Patti loved horses – in fact she loved all animals.   Since Dale’s death, Patti helped to manage Rillito Race Track through 2014 then devoted all her time to the Equine Encore Foundation (50l (3) C) – a retirement home for thoroughbred race horses which she and Dale supported.  Patti was loved by all.  In lieu of flowers please donate to the Equine Encore Foundation at 6865 N. Nanini Drive, Tucson, AZ 85704.