Shirley Faye Kerns

Shirley Faye Kerns, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and community leader, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024, at Sky Lakes Medical Center in Klamath Falls, Oregon. She was 83 years old.

Shirley entered the world on March 28, 1941, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Concordia, Kansas, as the cherished daughter of Walter and Jaunitta Guiot. Named in honor of her Aunt Faye, she grew up on a modest corn and chicken farm in Norway, Kansas. There, she cultivated a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a tireless work ethic that would shape her life.

After graduating from Scandia High School, Shirley worked as a secretary for the post engineers at Fort Riley. It was there that she met Martin Kerns on a blind date while he was serving in the Army. The two married on September 22, 1961, in Junction City, Kansas, embarking on a 63-year journey together. Despite her early vow never to marry a farmer, life had other plans—she soon found herself embracing the role of a rancher alongside Martin.

Shirley and Martin made their home in the Klamath Basin of Oregon and spent 15 winters in Elk Creek, California, where they built a life grounded in family, faith, and community. In the 1960s and 70s, they were part of a house church led by Paul Dumville, fostering a close-knit spiritual community. In Elk Creek, Shirley joined a Bible study with friends at Elk Creek Community Bible Church. Later, they became long-time members of United Evangelical Free Church in Klamath Falls, where they faithfully attended for over 35 years. Shirley was deeply involved in Bible studies, taught classes, and participated in a Branch Group for 25 years, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to both her faith and her community.

A devoted advocate for agriculture, Shirley actively served with Oregon CattleWomen, served as Home Economics 4-H Club Leader, and the Oregon Farm Bureau, where she held the role of State Women’s Chairman. Her leadership was pivotal in organizing the 2001 Bucket Brigade, a powerful grassroots protest championing the rights of Klamath Basin farmers to access critical irrigation water. A lifelong Republican, Shirley also contributed her time and talents to the Klamath County Republican Central Committee (KCRCC), reflecting her commitment to her values and community.

Shirley's career with the Winema National Forest began in 1987, and in 1992 she co-founded the Natural Resources and People (RAP) camp, an innovative program that introduced teenagers to resource management and conservation. She directed the camp until her retirement in 2012, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless youth.

Shirley was known for her dependability, frugality, and sharp mind. She approached life with purpose and efficiency, whether baking her famous pumpkin pie and bars or organizing the ranch books. In her spare time, Shirley loved to relax with a good book. Summers were spent tending her garden, where she grew fresh vegetables for the family and cared for her award-winning flower garden, often bringing home ribbons from the local fair.

Her no-nonsense attitude and fierce determination shaped everything she did. Above all, Shirley’s love for her family was unwavering. She cherished gatherings where marinated tri-tip and praline pecan ice cream were always served, creating lasting memories for those she loved. Shirley also enjoyed the companionship of her cats, adding warmth and joy to her home.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Juanita Guiot; her brother, Leland Guiot; and her nephew, Bruce Guiot. She is survived by her devoted husband, Martin; her children, Lyndon and his wife Jenny, Loren and his wife Tiffany, and Kerry Sarner and her husband Marc; her grandchildren, Jake Kerns, Jared Kerns and his wife Tasha, Stephanie Janigo and her husband Chris, Breanna Haddock and her husband Josh, Brittany Skutt and her husband Clinton, Elizabeth Kerns, Molly Kerns, Chloe Kerns, Wesley Kerns, Maddie Sarner, McKenzie Sarner, and Logan Sarner; and seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her nieces Gina Guiot and Elena Cooper, and Elena’s children, Chase and Kenzie.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on January 11, 2025, at United Evangelical Free Church in Klamath Falls. A luncheon will follow the service. The family invites all who knew and loved Shirley to celebrate her remarkable life and legacy.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who supported Shirley throughout her life, offering kindness, friendship, and love. Your presence in her journey was a blessing, and your support during this time has been a comfort.

Romans 8:38-39 says, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Shirley’s unwavering faith and the love she shared with all who knew her are a testament to this promise.

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