Shirley Mae Moudree, 93, made her trip back home on Friday, October 23, 2015 in Helena with her three children by her side.
She was born April 14, 1922 in Bozeman, Montana to Harry James Greene and Gladys Mae Leckliter Greene. She graduated from high school in Lewistown in 1940. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Montana State University in Home Economics. She accepted a home economics teaching job in Townsend, Montana and while in Townsend met Herman Louis Moudree. They were married June 12, 1949 at the Methodist Church in Townsend. She continued teaching, switching to elementary education at Lombard, Crow Creek, and at the LAMP high school for single mothers in Fort Myers, Florida.
Later in life she returned to school and received her master’s degree in dietetics from Florida International University. In the 1980s and 1990s she worked for the state of Montana as inspector of kitchens for nursing homes and hospitals.
She had a son Gary Wade Moudree from a previous marriage who was adopted by Herman. Together they raised him and three other children, Marcia Kay, Daniel Mark, and Denise Marie. Shirley and Herman divorced in 1976. They remained friends.
Shirley loved cooking and baking for her family and friends. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Helena and active in Eastern Star in Townsend. She helped in 4H and was a judge at local county fairs.
Her mother and sister Leah preceded her in death as did Herman and Gary. She is survived by Daniel and Viengxay (Tock) Moudree, Denise Moudree, and Marcia and Royal Magnus. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Marrissa, Kendra, Thomas, Greg, Jessica and Zane.
The Moudree family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 29th at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Avenue. A Funeral Service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 30th at First Christian Church, 311 Power Street with a reception to follow the service at the Church. A Committal service will be 3:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 7100 N. Montana Avenue. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Shirley.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 29, 2015
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday October 30, 2015
First Christian Church
311 Power Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Service
Friday October 30, 2015
First Christian Church
311 Power Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
3:00 p.m.
Friday October 30, 2015
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 29, 2015
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday October 30, 2015
First Christian Church
311 Power Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Service
Friday October 30, 2015
First Christian Church
311 Power Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
3:00 p.m.
Friday October 30, 2015
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Brenda Staley says
Uncle Royal & Marcia & Family I am sorry to hear of your loss.
Al Maulorico says
It had and has been my pleasure to have known Shirley for some 25 years and have never thought of her except in terms of graciousness, kindness and as a person having a warm and all-embracing heart. Always easy to speak with and generous with that ever present ‘cup of tea’!
Condolences to family and friends whose own lives were enriched because of hers.
She will be missed.
Al Maulorico
Ellen Rae Thiel says
I was sorry to read that Shirley had died. She worked in Boulder at the State school and I became her friend. For several years after she retired some of us used to meet at least once a year to visit but finally that ended. I am sorry that I did not keep in touch with her. She was one of the most kindest and nicest persons I ever knew. I did think about her often but should have at least picked the phone up and called her. I will not be able to attend her service but will be thinking of the sadness that her dieing has left her family with. Hugs to all of you.
Nikki McDonald Richardson says
My sincere condolences to the Moudree family. I have many fond memories of growing up knowing Shirley and kids (Gary, Marsha, Danny & Denise), Leah and their mother, Gladys. My grandmother, Hazel Sander, was good friends with Gladys and my mom, Virginia McDonald, was friends with both Leah & Shirley. We lived in Bozeman on Main Street. I was happy to see Shirley some years ago in Helena and we had a nice chat. She looked great and seemed very happy with life!! Prayers for all of you during this difficult time….God speed Shirley.
Shirley Lambeth says
Shirley and I worked together at DPHHS for several years. She was the most gracious person and so enjoyed being around her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Trenna and Brad Scoffield says
We are sad to hear of Shirley’s passing. We spent the last two days in the emergency rooms of two hospitals for Trenna’s health. And meetings to settle Dennis’s estate are scheduled for Thursday and Friday so impossible to attend Shirley’s reception or funeral. We regret this very much. She was a lovely woman who always looked Her best. She raised some great kids and touched many lives in a gracious way. I remember seeing her at my grandson Mike’s funeral in 2004. She was walking with a cane then.
Teresa Graham says
Marcia, Dan and Denise, I a truly sadden to learn of the loss of your beautiful mother. What a lovely gracious lady she was. She always made everyone she met feel like they were the most important person. My prayer is that you happy memories of a life well lived with help you through the tough road ahead. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to be blessed by knowing her. God’s blessings to you all.