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ZALUGA, SHIRLEY MAE "MIMI" Was born July 10, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois Shirley passed away peacefully in Albuquerque, on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at the age of 85, surrounded by her family. Shirley was an accomplished speller as a child. A highlight was participating in a state spelling bee in Chicago, Illinois in 1939 which was broadcast on the radio. In 1950 she set out on a new adventure with the love of her life, Dick, moving from Chicago Ill., to Albuquerque, NM. They settled in the North Valley where they made many lifelong friends. After being a secretary at Sandia Labs and while raising two children, she was very proud to earn her Licensed Practical Nurse degree in 1973. She and Dick had many friends from the surrounding pueblos and Navajo reservation. They owned and operated Running Buffalo Trading Post on the Zuni Indian Reservation in the 1970's. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Richard (Dick) Zaluga and by her infant son, Ricky; parents, John H. and Mildred Scherffius and brother Eddie Scherffius. She is survived by her sister, Mary and husband Tom McFadden of Elgin, Ill.; brother, John L. Scherffius of O'Fallon, MO; daughter, Jill Zaluga-Herman and husband Alan Herman; son, John and wife Robin Zaluga; grandchildren, Hanna Herman, Ruby Herman, Heather and Michael Locke, Holly and husband Jared Alderete, Zach and Bianca Zaluga and Eliahs Zaluga; great-grandchildren, Cain Alderete, Korryn Alderete and Duke Herman; beloved friend, Lucille Neely; and her special four-legged child, Athena. The family would like to send a special thank you to the compassionate and caring staff at The Cottages and Amber Care Hospice for their wonderful care and concern for Mimi and her family in these difficult times. A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Shirley will be held in the Chapel of Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th St. NW. Alb. on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 11:00 AM. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th ST. NW. ABQ. 505-343-8008
        Published on: Fri January 30, 2015