Shirley Anne Utterback

Shirley Anne Utterback, 99, died November 24 at home in West Kingston, RI surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Raleigh Emerson Utterback. Born November 14, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, she was the daughter of the late Mary Lynne (Deetken) Brasie and Arthur Robert Caughey.

She and her family moved to Seattle, Washington, when she was two years old. She lived in Kirkland, Washington, was a graduate of Kirkland High School and attended the University of Washington as a journalism major, where she met her husband. They were together for 63 years until his death in 2010. They were married on August 8, 1946, in Seattle. Their family, with five children, moved to the East Coast and later back to the West Coast to Palo Alto, California with her husband’s employment as an electrical engineer with General Electric.

She received her B. A. in English in 1975 from the University of Rhode Island and was employed as a news assistant at the Providence Journal in the East Bay news bureau in Warren for 18 years until her retirement in 1985. She had a life-long love of newspapers, beginning as a child, continuing as editor of the high school newspaper. A favorite memory as high school editor was a chance to meet and interview First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt during her visit to her daughter’s family in Seattle in 1942. High School editors were invited to a special news conference with Mrs. Roosevelt. Later, she was business editor of the U. of W. year book.

At the Journal she wrote a daily events column, a library column, news items, obituaries and several free-lance articles for the newspaper over the years. She began her love of poetry in the 1970s, as a member of library poetry groups in Barrington, Jamestown and North Kingstown, with her work appearing in several publications. and the Wickford Arts Association competitions.

A Barrington resident for 30 years, she and her family moved to Jamestown in 1996, where she lived until moving to West Kingston in January, 2020 to live with her daughter and son in law on their farm. After retirement, she and her husband volunteered at the Barrington Public Library, also serving as co-presidents of the Friends of the Barrington Public Library. She also volunteered at Blithewold Gardens and Arboretum in Bristol for several years.

She and her husband, who both grew up on Northwest waters, continued teaching their five children a love of boats and sailing. Favorite memories focused on sailing San Francisco Bay, Puget Sound, Rhode Island waters and sites along the New England coast. Other favorite memories include a tent camping trip in the family’s VW bus, with four children (and two Siamese cats) across the U. S. from New York to Washington and back.

A wonderful memory was a three-week trip with her mother to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Hong Kong in 1969, planned by her mother who worked for the U. S. Army, based in Seoul. Other special events included a European trip she and her husband took,

and later a journey with her daughter to visit Ireland, seeking her family roots.

Besides newspapers, her interests covered rare books, antiques, letterpress printing, gardening, music, jazz to classical, and always the oceans and lakes she loved. She was a member of The Providence Newspaper Guild, Jamestown Historical Society, Jamestown Philomenian Public Library, former member of Jamestown’s Quononoquott Garden Club and League of Women Voters. She was a member of The Crones who met monthly to share good food and stories, and a longtime member of Poets’ Voices poetry group, writing and meeting monthly up until her death.

“My mother opened the magical door to books, reading and writing as I grew up in the Seattle area. Poetry became my new love in the 1970s, while taking courses for an English degree from the University of Rhode Island”

Shirley, Mom, Nana, Granana was so loved by her family and friends. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. Shirley was incredibly independent, creative, curious and compassionate, a brilliant poet, and storyteller. She never missed a birthday and an opportunity to sing “Happy Birthday” over the phone to family and friends. She lived and experienced life and life’s challenges with unwavering optimism. Shirley was genuinely interested in everyone she met, an active listener, a role model admired for her wisdom, fierce determination and unquestionable values. She never stopped learning new things and held a deep sense of connection with nature.

Survivors include her children: Thomas R. Utterback (Lauri) South Kingstown, RI; Timothy J. Otterbach, Ossipee, NH; Mark B. Utterback (Hope) Williamsburg, VA; Kristi L. Otterbach (Mark Bachand) South Kingstown, RI; Karl G. Otterbach (Paula) Barrington, RI;

12 grandchildren: Terry Utterback (Paula Daddio) New Haven, CT; Ethan and Nathaniel Utterback, South Kingstown, RI; Adam Otterbach (Amanda) North Conway, NH; Erik Otterbach (Amanda) Harleysville, PA; Elim Utterback, Williamsburg, VA; Jason Riemer (Samantha) Richmond, RI; Erin Riemer (Dan Kittredge) West Warwick, RI; James Riemer, West Warwick, RI; Graham Otterbach, Warren, RI; Laura Kilcline (Edwin) Warwick, RI; Cary Otterbach (Nicole) Warren, RI; six great-grandchildren: Jarred, Anthony and Jack Riemer, Ava, Mila and Cole Otterbach; step-grandchildren: Devin, Henri, and Lily, Lindsey (Bachand) Dowiot (Justin), Sasha Van Sickle (Jacob), Celeste Eichmiller (Lars); step-great grandchildren: Mae, Chet, Leif, Eden, Grace, Annabelle, Jack, William, Knox, and Judson. She leaves her nephew, Gary Caughey (Lori) Clayton, CA, and step brother, James Lindstrom (Kathy) Mesa, AZ. Shirley was also so fortunate to have an expansive extended family. She was the sister of the late Robert Caughey and Jerold Caughey.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Channing Memorial Church, 135 Pelham Street, Newport at 11am. Reception to follow at The Elks Lodge next door.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Barrington Public Library, Jamestown Philomenian Public Library, South Kingstown Land Trust, Hope Health.