Elmo Bryant Shirts

Elmo Bryant Shirts passed away on April 23, 2015 at his home in Vancouver, Washington. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Marla Annette Trotogott, his father and mother, Ersell Shirts and Myrtle Gottfredson Shirts, four sisters Enid, Ardis, Geniece and Uwarda, and one brother Deloss. He is survived by two brothers, Gerald B. and Gale D. Shirts, his brother-in-law Robert Smellie, twenty three nieces and nephews, and their families, two unofficially adopted daughters Yolanda Morales and Martha Elias, and their families, and by many very close friends and their families, all of whom love and miss him dearly. Elmo was born October 17, 1934 in Longview, Washington and lived in the Vancouver area for most of his life. After serving honorably in the U.S. Army, he attended Brigham Young University and Oregon State University, where he taught Educational Psychology as an Assistant Professor, while earning his Doctor of Education degree. He taught elementary school in Portland, Oregon, and was a teacher, Guidance Counselor, and School Psychologist in various Vancouver, Camas and Washougal area School Districts. Following his career in the Public School System, he worked in private practice, as a licensed Clinical Psychologist. Elmo had extensive experience in property development, construction, remodeling, and farming in addition to his counseling and church service. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and held numerous leadership position, including Boy Scout Leader, class teacher and other various Ward callings, Bishop, Assistant to Mission Presidents in Bolivia, Peru, Mexico, and Germany, and was Mission President of the California, Los Angeles Mission. Elmo enjoyed singing, playing his guitar, writing, and generously helping family and friends in all spiritual and practical matters of life. He was an accomplished carpenter. He established and contributed to a number of ongoing educational scholarships and enjoyed studying and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Funeral Services will be held at the LDS Ridgefield Ward building at 21718 NE 29th Avenue, Ridgefield on May 6th, at 1:00 PM, followed by a Graveside service at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

Elmo Bryant Shirts

October 17, 1934 - April 23, 2015