Shirley Kay Holzinger

Shirley Kay Holzinger, 91, of Grants Pass, Oregon, passed away on August 6, 2026, at Asante Three Rivers Medical Center.

Shirley was born on June 16, 1935, in Pasco, Washington, to Richard and Katheryn Hardy. She grew up alongside her sister, Sue Waldman, forming a lifelong bond rooted in family and faith.

A gifted musician from a young age, Shirley began playing piano for churches at just 12 years old, a calling that would shape the rest of her life. She attended Prosser High School, graduating in 1953, and went on to the University of Oregon, where she earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree. During her time there, she studied piano, organ, and voice, was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, and was honored with membership in Mu Phi Epsilon, a national music honorary.

Following her graduation, Shirley moved to Grants Pass in 1957, where she began teaching vocal music at Grants Pass Junior High School and later at North Junior High, teaching both choral music and English. It was during this time she met her husband, Len Holzinger. The two were married on July 9, 1960, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, beginning a partnership that would span 54 years. They welcomed their son, Michael, in 1964, who would later work alongside them in the family photography business.

In 1964, Shirley stepped away from teaching to join Len in their photography business, Lens Studio, where she contributed her talents and business acumen. She later served as Executive Manager of the Professional Photographers of Oregon for 20 years.

Her love of music and devotion to her faith remained constant throughout her life. In 1966, Shirley began directing the children’s choir at Newman United Methodist Church, whose weekly performances were even broadcast on local radio. She soon became the church’s organist, a role she faithfully served for 50 years, from 1966 to 2016. Over the decades, she also contributed her time and leadership to numerous church committees, including the Restoration and Sesquicentennial Committee in 2007, and served on the Southern District Church Extension.

Shirley remained deeply involved in both her church and the Grants Pass community, sharing her gifts in music, leadership, and service. She was a founding member of the Grants Pass Committee on Public Art in 2002 and served on several city committees, including the Tourism Advisory Committee and the Historical Buildings and Sites Commission, where she served as Chairman from 2013 to 2014. Her dedication helped shape the cultural and artistic life of the community she loved.

Music continued to bring her joy throughout her life. Shirley sang with a local Sweet Adelines barbershop-style harmony group and helped form a small ensemble, “In Accord,” which performed at rest homes, private events, and churches.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Len; and her sister, Sue.

She is survived by her son, Michael; her nephew, Alan Waldman; her niece, Deb Starkey; and three grand-nieces and two grand-nephews.

Shirley will be remembered for her deep faith, her love of music, her dedication to her community, and the many lives she touched through her teaching and service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.