Shirley is the only child of Modell and Jack Boen.  Shirley was born April 24, 1947 in Long Beach, Calif.  As a young child, Shirley enjoyed playing Jacks and with Mrs Sharpe.  Two of her favorite things were baking and playing hopscotch.  She loved playing with Judy, her mom's sister. 

Shirley graduated from Bakersfield High in 1965 and attended Beauty College in Enid, Ok.  Shirley met Jimie Thomas thru some mutual friends.  They married August 18, 1967 in Ft Smith, Arkansas.  They started raising  their four children in Bakersfield, Calif and in 1973 they became born again Christians and  moved to McAlester, Ok shortly after 1979. 

Being involved with Direct Sales (Home Interiors) since 1970 Shirley and Jim have been able to make several life long dreams become realities.  Loving  to travel, they take trips to places by RV that has always interest Shirley since she enjoys geology and the study of caves and rocks. 

Shirley is very interested in her family's history and background and what place the family has in establishing a Christian nation.  Recently Shirley was able to attend the Hall-Allen family reunion in Mangrum, Okla and found out some very enlightening information regarding the establishment of the Oklahoma Texas boundary that involved the Allen Family Homestead. 

Shirley's father, James Ezra Boen is an 8th generation American born citizen.  "We have such a rich family history".

"I am proud that Ruby and Leonard were pioneers in every sense of the word, and that they knew how to Honor God and Bless and serve others.  They did that by raising three talented and God fearing children and starting and working many works of God the Father.  I am honored to be a part of this family.  I love the time I have with my Mom and am working very hard to take care of her.  She is a joy to be with.  I hope the Lord continues to use me and I want to be found in HIS FAVOR.  I continue to strive to be "the apple of HIS eye".