Shirley Ann Reed

ARLEE ~ Shirley Ann Reed passed away peacefully on April, 11, 2025 surrounded by her daughters meeting up with her Lord and Savior.

Shirley was born on August 12, 1938, on a farm in Trails City, SD, to Calvin and Magdalena Wacker. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to the Herreid, SD farms, where Shirley learned the value of hard work. They farmed with horses and traded milk, cream, and eggs for essential items. Shirley helped with the chickens, geese, ducks, and collected dry cattle dung to heat the home during cold, snowy winters. She loved animals, especially her cats, and walked to the one-room German schoolhouse. The ‘thrashers’ would come through and harvest the grain crop. Ordering from the Montgomery Wards catalog was a treat. Just prior to moving to town, a used John Deere tractor was purchased. Her brothers were elated.

At the age of eight, Shirley's family moved to Mobridge, SD, where she formally began learning English, aided by a few words from her sisters who attended boarding school. Shirley was a cheerleader and played the drums. She worked as a dental assistant and was very proud of her 1957 Chevy, always having a ‘lead' foot.

Shirley and Robert met in SD. They wed and moved to Missoula MT. That ’57 Chevy ended up in Anaheim Lake BC. They raised two daughters, Sharlyn and Michele. She was a homemaker, and her family filled her heart. Shirley's love for the Lord led her to teach Sunday School. She also taught kindergarten to her daughters and neighborhood kids. Shirley and family friend Doris enjoyed canning and freezing fruits and vegetables. No one ever left her table hungry. Holiday meals were always special, and she loved decorating. Shirley always remembered everyone's birthday or holiday with a card. We always joked about having stock in Hallmark. She enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. The family moved to the Arlee ranch, where Shirley could be found outside changing irrigation, haying, or bringing a cold new baby calf into the house. They raised seed crops in WA, owned and operated a Super 8 Motel in AZ, and a ranch in TX.

Upon returning to Montana, Shirley enjoyed her grandchildren, Jayce and Kayla, and attended many of their activities. Shirley was a phenomenal crafter and participated in the regular fall/winter craft circle. Shirley and 'the ladies' enjoyed trips, having lunch, and helping each other.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Magdalena Fischer Wacker and Calvin Edward Wacker; sisters Alice Pfeifle (Fred), Sally Harp (Ed) and Rosetta (Dave); and brother Elmer. She is survived by her brother Marvin (Cathy), daughters Sharlyn and Michele (Mark), nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Our last words together, “It’s ok”. A special thank you to her awesome caregivers.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, April 16th, at 10:00am at Sunset Memorial Gardens. We will gather afterwards at the Ranch Club Golf Course Restaurant across the road to eat and share stories. There will be a Samaritan Purse in memory of Shirley set up.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, April 16th, at 10:00am at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Missoula.