Shirley E. Johnson, 87, passed away at home, Saturday, April 23 after a brief illness. Cremation has taken place.
Shirley was born June 10, 1928 in Kettle Falls, WA to Emile and Elsie Weigelt. She graduated from Kettle Falls High School as valedictorian in 1946 and attended Washington State University, Pullman, WA studying Home Economics. She then moved to Spokane, WA and was employed by Washington Water Power. She met Ernie Johnson on a blind date. They married on August 28, 1954 and enjoyed 50 years of marriage. As a couple they moved to Great Falls, MT and lived there for 54 years. She and Ernie’s only child, Melanie Ann was born in 1962. Shirley moved to Helena in 2011 and resided near her daughter and family until her death.
She was a homemaker and incredible seamstress. Shirley enjoyed quilting and sewing her entire life. She made clothing, beautiful quilts, and wall hangings. She was also a gifted gardener. Her geraniums, pansies and African Violets were something to be admired. Shirley worked outside the home at various jobs, ran the Great Falls Shrine Circus ticket office for over 25 years and was employed by Quilt-A-Way in Great Falls, MT for a number of years. She was an active member in Daughters of the Nile, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and supported Ernie and his bag piping for many, many years. She enjoyed following the activities of her grandchildren as they grew up and was very proud of all they have accomplished!
Shirley is survived by her daughter, Melanie (Chris) Denning of Helena, MT; grandchildren Brianna Denning of Helena, MT and Taran Denning of Spokane, WA; Sister, Fritzee Tesch; Nieces Lauri Tesch and Shari (Brenard) Johnson, their daughters Sarah and Jenna Johnson, all of Spokane, WA. She also leaves behind her special cat, Boze. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ernest B. Johnson, Jr; twin grandsons, Kyle & Bryton Denning, mother, Elsie Weigelt and father, Emile Weigelt.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Addison in Great Falls, MT, who cared for both Shirley and Ernie. She spent her last weeks at her home under the tender care of St. Peter’s Hospice. We are so very thankful for our entire Hospice team, with special thanks to Jennifer, Klarissa, Angie & Linda. We so very much appreciate the care you gave to Mom/Grandma for these short three weeks. You made her journey much easier. Thank you.
Memorial services will be at Retz Funeral Home, 313 E. 6th Ave, Helena, MT on Wednesday, April 27 at 1 p.m., with a reception at the funeral home following the service. A service of Committal will be held at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Cemetery, 1410 13th Street South in Great Falls, MT on Thursday, April 28 at 1:30 p.m. with a reception following (to be announced at Thursday service.)
Memorial donations may be sent to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, 911 W. 5th Avenue, Spokane, WA 99204. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Shirley.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 27, 2016
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday April 27, 2016
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
1:30 p.m.
Thursday April 28, 2016
Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Cemetery
1410 13th Street South
Great Falls , Montana 59405
Reception
Following the committal
Thursday April 28, 2016
Will be announced at the service
,
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 27, 2016
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday April 27, 2016
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
1:30 p.m.
Thursday April 28, 2016
Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Cemetery
1410 13th Street South
Great Falls , Montana 59405
Reception
Following the committal
Thursday April 28, 2016
Will be announced at the service
,
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Carol Ann Dagenais says
I was blessed to have known Shurley during her grandchildren’s ” growing-up” years. I looked forward to sitting next to her ( on those hard seats in the HMS auditorium!) at her granddaughter’s ballet recitals. Shirley was a quiet but important part of family birthday gatherings. .She was always gracious and welcoming when I came over to her cute condo. There was never enough time to share with her. I think of her often, and always with affection!
Deanna Albert says
My condolences to Mrs. Johnson’s family. It was a pleasure having Mrs. Johnson as a neighbor. I will miss her and Boze.