Bagley – Shirley Jean Olson, daughter of August and Lottie Olson, was born on June 16,1946. She was raised in Bagley, and graduated from Bagley High School. She received her cosmetology license at the Area Vocational Technical Institute (AVTI) in Thief River Falls. She later went on to long term substitute teach cosmetology at the AVTI, as well as work as a paraprofessional at the Washington Elementary School in Thief River Falls.
On June 20, 1964, Shirley married Roger Rivera at Rice Lutheran Church. They were blessed with one son, Roger Jr., whom they loved and cherished dearly.
Family was everything to Shirley; she loved caring for them and spending time with them. She also enjoyed tending her flowers and going fishing. She made many special memories keeping up with her family and supporting her husband’s (sometimes wild) ideas and hobbies. Admired for her strength and generosity; her home was always a warm, welcoming place for everyone, with a fresh cup of coffee always ready to go.
Shirley passed away in her home on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at the age of 79.
She is survived by her son, Roger Jr. (Brenda) Rivera; grandchildren, Austin Rivera, Chase (Isabel) Rivera, and Savannah (Andrew) Schefter; great-grandchildren, Clint Rivera and Hugh Schefter; sisters, Audrey Perkins, Marge (Kenny) Solberg, and Lorraine Gubrud; brother, Leslie (Sharon) Olson; brothers/sisters-in-law, Daniel (Dawn) Rivera, Gwen Dougherty, and David (Janice) Rivera; several nieces and nephews; and numerous family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Roger Rivera Sr. (2016); her parents, August and Lottie Olson; her sisters, Grace Nelson and Arlene Edeen; several brothers-in-law; and one sister-in-law.
Like her husband, Shirley chose to donate her body to science, as education was always important to the couple.
There will be a celebration of Shirley’s life held at Rice Lutheran Church near Bagley, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11 a.m., with a lunch to follow. All family and friends are welcome to attend.
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Shirley Rivera, 79
