October 17, 1941 - April 24, 2026
Shirley Mae Bergdall 84, of Enid, Oklahoma, passed away on April 24, 2026. She was born on October 17, 1941, in Ringwood, Oklahoma, to Warren and Gladys Stricker of Meno, Oklahoma.Shirley grew up on the family farm south of Ringwood and moved to Meno as a teenager. She graduated from Ringwood High School and later attended Northwestern College in Alva, Oklahoma, with her husband Larry.
Early in her working life, she was employed at the Champlin Refinery in Enid and also served as a part-time bookkeeper for several local businesses. When her children were young, she began an upholstery business in the family garage. With Larry’s help she later expanded into a full canvas and sewing shop behind the house, where she specialized in oil field tarps, farm equipment covers, trampolines, boat tarps, and countless repairs. She officially ran the business for 38 years and continued small jobs until her health declined.
Shirley had a deep love for sewing and hosted a regular sewing club with her sister Esther and other ladies. She also enjoyed painting and ceramics in her shop. A faithful member of Pioneer Pleasant Vale Community Church, she never wavered in her faith. Those who knew her almost always described her first with one word: generous. She was always ready to help anyone in need and gave freely of her time, talents, and resources.
Shirley and Larry wanted children more than anything. In an era long before the internet or cell phones, they chose the path of adoption — a profound act of love and sacrifice that few truly understand. The process was lengthy and stressful, filled with investigations, home studies, and waiting to be placed on a list. When the hoped-for call finally came, they had only until the end of that same day to answer and both be present to receive their child. In 1969 they brought home infant Greg, and two and a half years later in 1972, his sister Traci. There was no pregnancy, no gradual preparation — just one phone call and suddenly they were instant parents, fully responsible for a newborn. From that moment on, Greg and Traci were completely theirs. Though not wealthy in material things, Shirley and Larry were rich in love. They poured everything they had into raising their children with affection, laughter, and the deep security of knowing they were chosen and deeply wanted. That same wholehearted, devoted love extended to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Bergdall; her granddaughter, Miranda Bishard; her brother, Don Stricker; and her sister, Annie Cross.
Shirley is survived by her son Greg Bergdall and wife Teena; her daughter Traci Deckman and husband Mike; her grandchildren Cali Bergdall, Ravin Seedorf (and husband Bo), and Utah Bishard (and wife Cameron); her great-grandchildren Waverly Seedorf, Cleo Bishard, and Duke Bishard; and her siblings Esther Bergdall, Ronnie Stricker, and Kathy Webster.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Pioneer Pleasant Vale Community Church, 6020 E. Willow Rd., Enid, OK.
There will be no graveside service.Shirley has gone home to be with her Lord and Savior. She is now joyfully reunited with Larry and those who went before her, and she will be there waiting with open arms to greet the rest of us when our time comes.
