Shirley Jeanne (Wilson) Austin

Shirley Jeanne (Wilson) Austin, 100, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026, at LifeCare Center in Casper, Wyoming. She was born on February 16, 1926, in Grass Creek, Wyoming to Lester A. and Alice E. (Thomas) Wilson.

Shirley was born and spent her childhood in the Company town of Ohio Oil Company (now known as Marathon Oil) Grass Creek, Wyoming. During her youth, her family moved to Casper, where she attended Natrona County High School. She continued her education at Casper College and also briefly attended the University of Wyoming.

She later moved back to Casper to work for her uncle Keith Thomas’ car dealership, an experience that became especially meaningful as it was there that she met her future husband. Shirley married Burke E. Austin on December 31, 1950, in Casper, Wyoming. After her children were grown, she worked for a number of years for the Brooks Water and Sewer District.

In the intervening years, they were devoted and proud parents to their two daughters, supporting them in all of their activities as children and later in their adult endeavors. Following the death of her husband on November 10, 1988, she continued to lead an active and engaged life for the next 38 years, enjoying traveling, playing bridge, and volunteering. Those interests remained an important part of the full and independent life she built over many years.

She was a devoted grandmother and also shared a special relationship with her great-grandson, Drew Crimm. In her final two years at Lifecare, she became beloved by many members of the staff there. With her smile and warm presence, she endeared herself to those who cared for her.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherri Austin Mullinnix; her son-in-law, Kenneth Crimm; and her grandchildren, Kevin Crimm and his wife, Candace; Lisa Crimm, Kimberly Hall and her husband, John, and Mark Crimm and his wife, Elyse; and her seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Burke Austin; her daughter, Patricia Crimm; and her parents, Lester Wilson and Alice (Wilson) Thomas.

Shirley will be remembered for her love of family, her steady support of those closest to her, her independence, and the grace and warmth she carried throughout her long life.

Memorials in her name would be deeply appreciated to Central Wyoming Hospice or the Casper Humane Society.