Ellen Shirley Arnold, 77, of Powhatan, Virginia, passed away on January 4, 2026.

Born Ellen Shirley Crigger on July 31, 1948, in Wytheville, Virginia. Shirley was the daughter of the late Ernest Wade Crigger and Pauline Stroupe Crigger. She was a graduate of East Tennessee State University and devoted more than 30 years of her professional life to social work, retiring from the Department of Social Services in Powhatan, Virginia. Throughout her career, Shirley was known for her compassion, dedication, and steadfast commitment to serving individuals and families in her community.

In 1970, Shirley married her beloved husband, Gary Wayne Arnold, and throughout 55 years of marriage, they shared a life grounded in love, family, and mutual support. She was a devoted wife and a deeply loving mother who took great pride in raising her family. Shirley was a constant source of encouragement and support for her son Ben and her husband Wayne, and her dedication to her family was evident in all she did.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Wayne Arnold, her son Ben Arnold and daughter-in-law Laura Arnold; her sisters Carolyn Phillips and Judith Riley and nephews Tony Duncan (Gwen) and Jonathan Riley (Angela); and extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved son, Seth Madison Arnold; and her cherished nephew, Robert Crigger.

Shirley found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved cats and admiring flowers and plants in her garden; was fond of the color purple and took pleasure in caring for those around her. A devoted sports fan, she enjoyed cheering for Washington Commanders football and VCU Rams basketball. Shirley delighted in spending evenings at home watching American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, and classic Western films. She became an avid viewer of news broadcasts on WRIC Channel 8 in support of her son’s career in television. Above all, Shirley will be remembered for her warmth, her devotion to family, and her lifelong service to others.

The family wants to recognize the excellent care and support that nurses, doctors and staff at Johnston-Willis Hospital in Midlothian, Virginia provided during her illness.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 11:00am at West End Cemetery, 1985 W Lee Highway, Wytheville, Virginia. A gathering of family and friends will be held afterward at West End Methodist Church, 1030 W North Street, Wytheville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Powhatan Volunteer Rescue Squad. Checks may be sent to PVRS at 3920 Marion Harland Ln Powhatan VA 23139; or donate online through PayPal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/PowhatanVRS.

Shirley Arnold leaves behind a legacy of love, service and quiet strength that will be remembered fondly by all who were lucky enough to know her. Online condolences can be sent to the family at grubbfuneralhome.com Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville is in charge of the arrangements.