Shirley Evelyn Thomas (Swager) age 90 of Clear Lake, WI, formerly of Prior Lake, MN, Born January 4th, 1936 – February 11, 2026. Shirley passed away from complications after a fall in her home on February 1, 2026.

Shirley was born on January 4,1936 in Clear Lake, WI, the daughter of Hugh & Evelyn Swager. She grew up in the Clear Lake area, and she attended Clear Lake High School. Shirley married Elmor Ray Gibson in Mason City IA. September 14, 1957. Together they raised four children, Becky, Cindy, Penny and Pam. Elmor passed early in life and Shirley was lucky enough to find the love of her life and remarry Wilbur E. Thomas on January 22,1987. Shirley sacrificed much so that her children never had to do without. Christmas was met with abundance and there were always the yearly road trip vacations with the pop-up camper. Shirley passed on the love of reading to all her children and grandchildren. Shirley also loved to sing and had a great singing voice. She liked to have fun and taught the family lots of fun and edgy little ditties. She will be greatly missed by all who know her.

Preceded in death:

Shirley out lived all of her eight siblings. She is preceded in death by her parents, Hugh & Evelyn Swager; first husband Elmor Ray Gibson and Second husband Wilbur E. Thomas. Brothers and sisters: Harvey, Gary, & Ethelyn (Knutson), Phyllis (Johnson), Norris, Norvin (Red), Larry (Butch) and Ronnie

Survived by:

Daughters

Becky Gibson - Prior Lake, MN

Cindy Gibson (Steve Sparrow) - Brighton CO

Penny Gibson– Richfield, MN

Pamela Gibson (Dan Weber) - Eden Prairie, MN

Stepchildren and their families:

Kenny Thomas

Pamela Thomas-Hall

Neil Thomas

Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren

Emily Sparrow (Derek Garcia) Bromfield, CO Daughter Katrina Johns

Samantha Sparrow (Daniel Martinez) Brighton CO Children Jordan Sparrow, Nathan Martinez, Benjamin Martinez, and William Martinez

Raymond Gibson – Minneapolis, MN

Survived and loved by many nephews, nieces, and their family.

Celebration of Life to follow early this Summer