Shirley P. Anderson

Shirley P. Anderson slipped away between one breath to another Monday, Aug. 17, 2015, while under the tender care of her daughter and son-in-law. She took her first pain-free breath an instant later in the welcoming arms of her family in heaven.

Shirley was blessed with an independent and sturdy spirit that enabled her to cope with illnesses such as rheumatic fever as a child, multiple joint replacements, arthritis and lung disease. But she never allowed them to truly slow her down, and kept her positive outlook on life to the last.

Shirley and her husband, Arial, moved to Missoula in 1971 where she planted the roots of deep friendships, and amazing flower and vegetable gardens. But her most-prized gardens were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She could always be counted on to have summer birthday parties in her back yard, and her Christmas celebrations were magical.

Shirley provided loving care for her husband during his bouts of cancer, and throughout their 59 years of marriage. She was an awesome cook; her cinnamon rolls were highly sought after at Relief Society events, she could produce dozens of crescent rolls at a moment's notice, and her cookies and pies were a delight.

She served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was instrumental in the Primary and Relief Society presidencies in the Chinook branch. She was willing to serve wherever needed, and greatly enjoyed being her son's Cub Scout leader as well as her daughter's Girl Scout leader. Some of those Girl Scouts regarded her as a second mother for many years. She was also a treasured mother-in-law to Alex's wife, Marlene, and at their wedding, she took two young granddaughters under her wing.

When Shirley's own health began to fail, she was able to stay in her home until it became necessary to receive assisted living. Her family is very grateful to all those at Hunters Glen who gave daily care. Thanks to her nurse, Sara, and her dining companions, Barb and John, for keeping Shirley up-to-date with the latest gossip. A special thanks goes to her physical therapist, Waldeena, who helped her fight for mobility, and to Don, who was sharing a similar challenge. Don and Shirley teamed up to encourage each other, and to engage in playful mutiny when they were done before Waldeena said they were done.

Shirley was born Feb. 24, 1931, in Logan, Utah, to Willie James Petersen and Leonora Rogers. She grew up in Benson, Utah, and married Arial Anderson on July 6, 1950. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother, Roger; and her sisters, Wanda, Dora and Velda. She is survived by two sisters, Lenora Thompson and Valene DeCaro.

She is also survived by her children, Debra (Steve) Rezin, Brent (Trish) and Alex (Marlene); her grandchildren, Lorissa, Neshia, Kyle, Kelsie, Kate, Janet and Stuart; and great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Peyton, Gavin and Grady.

We will all miss her dry humor, and the mischievous twinkle in her eye as she'd watch over us all.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, at the Western Montana Veterans Cemetery at 1911 Tower St. A luncheon will follow at 109 Saranac Drive.

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