Shirley Jean Schad

Shirley Jean Schad, 82, passed away on February 4, 2026, in Sublimity, Oregon. Born on February 17, 1943, in Salem to Walter and Lela Betker, Shirley grew up with her siblings Sharon, Don, Cindy, and Ron, forming bonds that lasted a lifetime.

On October 13, 1959, Shirley married David Eugene Schad and was married for 66 years. Together they shared a life defined by dancing, devotion, and the joy of raising their four sons: Davey, Danny, Darren, and Dustin.

A force in the restaurant industry, Shirley spent her entire life in the business. She owned and operated five different establishments, including the well-known Don's Seafood Restaurant, later known as the Rivertown Restaurant. She was a master of "from-scratch" philosophy; her legendary homemade food was so renowned that people would drive from miles around just for a taste of her cooking.

Beyond her professional success, Shirley’s heart was in her home and her community. She loved to travel and find adventure, but she was happiest sharing a cup of coffee and a laugh with friends and family. She was a gifted storyteller who could light up a room with her humor and warmth. Shirley also had a profound love for animals; she cherished her dogs, Geraldine, Boo Boo, and Yogi, and she frequently opened her home to the many cats that showed up at her door, making them part of her family. Above all, Shirley was defined by her incredible generosity, she was the kind of person who gave everything of herself to those she loved.

Shirley lived in Oakridge for 39 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, David, and her sons, Davey and Danny. Her legacy lives on through her sons, Darren (Jennifer) and Dustin; her four siblings, Sharon Elmer, Don (Denise) Betker, Cindy (Mick) Wilson, and Ron (Beth) Betker; her grandchildren, Taylor and Jayda; and great-grandchildren Madeline, Brayden, Everleigh, Ronan, and Lincoln.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Weddle Funeral Service in Stayton, Oregon. Private urn placement will follow at Lone Oak Cemetery