Shirley Ann Jahnke, 73, passed away with her family around her on May 1, 2009, at her home in Kalispell. Shirley was born March 15, 1936, in Kalispell, to Henry and Violet (Averill) Wittlake. The family moved from Somers to the Smith Valley, where they farmed and Shirley attended Batavia School and Flathead High School.

On Feb. 16, 1952, Shirley married Donald Jahnke. They bought their ranch on Batavia Lane in 1968, where they raised cattle, horses and five children.

In her early years she had worked at Kalispell Taxi Dispatch, Safeway Grocery, Hacienda Restaurant, Immanuel Lutheran Home and owned two beauty shops while keeping books for Don's Log Truck business, later working as a greeter at Wal-Mart.

She really enjoyed being on her tractor, swathing hay — the best! She was active in Smith Valley Grange, Smith Valley Booster, 4-H Club, Boorman P.T.C., and bowled many years at Skyline Bowl.

Don and Shirley loved to travel. When Don retired, they sold the ranch and became snowbirds in Yuma, Ariz. They were married 48 years before Don's passing on April 30, 2000.

Also preceding her were her parents; brothers, Ward and Emery; sister, Jean Danielson; great-granddaughter, Katie Jean Trainer; and son-in-law, Joe Drewniak.

Shirley is survived by her children, Dawn Frame and husband Jeff, Leona Knutson and husband Lonnie, Donald W. Jahnke and wife Chris, Deanna Sampson and husband Jerry, and Darci Jahnke and fiance Jeff Arndt; 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; sisters, Gladys Gray, Kathleen Sutton and Dode Altenburg; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Private family graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Friends and family are invited to a potluck at Smith Valley Grange Hall at noon on Saturday, May 9.

A special thank you to Home Options Hospice and her loving care givers. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Home Options Hospice.

"But we are of good courage and are well pleased, rather to become absent from the body and to make our home with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8.

Friends are encouraged to visit the Web site at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.