Shirley Jean Peck, age 87, of Austin, Minn., passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Shirley was born on Dec. 24, 1936 in Austin, Minn., the only child of Myron and Florence (Carle) Aultfather. She attended school in Austin through the 10th grade and then transferred to Maplewood Academy in Hutchinson, Minn., where she graduated in 1955 as valedictorian. She went on to major in English at Union College (now Union Adventist University) graduating in 1959. Shirley was united in marriage to Harlen Peck ’59 on June 30, 1957 at the First Congregational Church in Austin. In 1960, Shirley and Harlen moved to Harvey, N.D., where she taught home economics at Sheyenne River Academy. Two years later, they moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., where she continued to teach home economics at Thunderbird Academy. In 1966, they moved to Campbell, Calif. She taught English at Mountain View Academy in Mountain View, Calif. They made their last move in 1976 to Shirley’s family farm in rural Austin. She attended the nursing program at Riverland Community College. Shirley began teaching at Riverland in 1979 and retired in 1998. She touched numerous lives throughout her years of teaching. She was a much loved and appreciated educator. Family was Shirley’s main focus throughout her whole life. She enjoyed spending time together on vacations, during holidays, celebrating birthdays and having barbecues together. She loved animals, especially dogs and cats, and she enjoyed boating, gardening, and baking and cooking for her family. Her faith was important to her and her belief in Jesus played a significant role in her life. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who will be dearly missed. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her father and mother in-law, and many beloved pets. Shirley is survived by her husband of 67 years, Harlen Peck ’59; son, Ruston (Janiece); daughter, Rondell (Paul) Peck-Eilertson; grandchildren, Jessica (Michael) Lentz, Jason (Kristin) Peck, Ryan (Hanna) Eilertson, Eryn (Taylor) Henningsgard, Ethan Eilertson, Scott Walker (Mariah Tvrdik) and Tanner (Abby) Walker; 11 great grandchildren (with another on the way).