Shirley Basinger McCandlish
May 11, 1934 - July 26, 2026
SHIRLEY BASINGER McCANDLISH, 92, passed away on July 27, 2026, at Community Hospital in Torrington, Wyoming.
Shirley was born May 11, 1934, on her parents’ farm near Holbrook, Nebraska, to Donald and Caroline (Huckfeldt) Basinger. Her childhood took her from the family farm near Holbrook to Basin, Wyoming, and later Torrington, Wyoming, where she graduated from Torrington High School in 1952.
Shirley married Wilbert Herdt in 1952, and they shared more than 40 years together until his death in 1993. She later married Jim McCandlish, with whom she shared 10 years until his death in 2010.
Shirley worked as an accountant for local accounting firms and family businesses. She was also a longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, where she gave generously of her time and talents, serving for several years as Department Secretary/Treasurer and later as Department President. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Torrington.
Family was at the heart of Shirley’s life. A kind and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she treasured time spent with those she loved. She enjoyed sewing, watching baseball, and especially loved gathering with family and friends to play bridge, Rummikub, and other games.
Shirley is survived by her loving family, including her children, Jeff Herdt (Linda), Tom Herdt, and Jody Shields (Rick); nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, Dan Herdt; grandson, Alex Herdt; sister, Sheila Jacoby; and brother, Dick Basinger.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Torrington, with the Rev. Scott Firminhac officiating. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Goshen County Senior Friendship Center. Arrangements are under the direction of Colyer Funeral Home in Torrington.
Shirley leaves a lasting mark on the family she loved so dearly. Her kindness, devotion, and love will live on through the generations that follow her and in the treasured memories of time spent together.
