Shirley Chambers

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend succumbed to her battle with cancer on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014. Shirley died at home surrounded by her family as she made way to her heavenly home.

She leaves behind her husband, David; children, Theresa Stekly (husband Jeff) and Jean Ross (husband Joe) of Missoula, David Chambers (wife Valerie) of Everett, Washington, and Colleen Orr (husband Jack) of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Shirley was blessed with four grandchildren, Jennifer Fletcher of Great Falls, Cody and Casey Stekly of Missoula, and Jake Orr of Coeur d'Alene, as well as three great-grandchildren, Brody and Blake Fletcher and Archie Stekly. Shirley was especially fond of her brothers and sisters-in-law, and thought of them as her own true family. They are Joseph and Donna Chambers, Dick and Phyllis Chambers, Carol Dritshulas, Alice Page and Janet Benson.

While Shirley was born in Helena on July 27, 1937, she spent most of her adult life in Great Falls with her constant companion and husband of 61 years, David. They moved to Missoula in 2007 to be closer to their children and family.

We remember her most for her firm guidance and loyalty to our family, as well as her love of long, brisk walks, reading and cross-stitching. She took much pride in her life's work as a waitress, always serving each customer with a smile. Shirley volunteered for more than 15 years in nursing homes, providing consistent care and hope for so many. She was very proud of her work as "The Fruit Lady" at Russell Elementary School, where she served lunch and befriended many students, teachers and her special lady friends. We will miss her wit and humor; she always said "I'm smarter 'n I look."

Our family wishes to send a heartfelt thank-you to Dr. Jeffrey Haller and the Rocky Mountain ENT staff members for all the care and comfort and extra time that they gave to Mom. The Hospice of Missoula team was also invaluable support as we cared for Mom in her final days.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at Christ the King Church, 1400 Gerald Ave., in Missoula.
Read Shirley Chambers's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.