County clerk dies in leukemia battle

Clark County Clerk Shirley B. Parraguirre, who argued passionately for independent oversight of court records and who ushered her office into the digital age during her 11-year tenure, died Sunday night after a long battle with leukemia. She was 69.

Parraguirre died at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center.

Colleagues remember her as an amiable woman who fought for what she believed in.

"Even the people who disagreed with her would say she was a really nice person to deal with all the time," said attorney Robert Langford, who knew her for 20 years.

Assistant County Clerk Diana Alba will temporarily take over Parraguirre's responsibilities. County commissioners are expected to appoint a replacement Sept. 15.

During her first two terms, Parraguirre oversaw court records as part of her duties -- a role that would cause her to butt heads with some judges. In interviews, Parraguirre talked of how she alienated certain judges because she "refused to do their bidding" when they wanted to alter court minutes or to gain what she felt was inappropriate access to records.

In 2006, shortly after Parraguirre was re-elected to a third term, the county's District Court judges took over her court clerk duties. Judge Kathy Hardcastle led the effort, calling it a good business decision.

Parraguirre argued it was a bad move, saying that an independent clerk was needed to ensure the integrity of court documents. Many in the legal community voiced support for Parraguirre's stance.

"The office of clerk should be independent of judges," Langford said. "She was willing to take on that battle."

Washoe County Clerk Amy Harvey described how they backed each other in their efforts to prevent judges from having unfettered access to court records. "I admired and respected her a lot," she said.

Parraguirre headed the clerk's office at a time of intense growth. She extended office hours and opened satellite offices in Laughlin, Mesquite and Henderson to meet the escalating demand.

Parraguirre modernized the office and reduced customer wait times for copies from two weeks to two days by initiating electronic filing of court documents. She also helped establish an electronic system for online customers applying for marriage licenses.

She is survived by daughter Tamara Nellen and son Grant Roesner.

Visitation will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Palm Mortuary, 1325 N. Main St. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday in Palm Mortuary's main chapel. Burial will be at the Palm Mortuary Cemetery, 6701 N. Jones Blvd.

Contact reporter Scott Wyland at swyland@reviewjournal.com or 702-455-4519.