Shirlee Yeats, daughter of Rueben and Fern Larson, was born and raised in Whitefish. Her life revolves around the survivors of her extended family, which consists of a son, a stepson and daughter, six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Shirlee has always given generously of her time and talent to the community. On a weekly basis, she volunteers at the Whitefish Community Center (home of the Golden Agers), where she mainly works in the kitchen preparing and serving meals and "doing whatever needs to be done."

At the Moose Club, she enjoys the sociability and the preparation and serving of foods for special events. She is pleased to be able to do her part for the Veterans of Foreign Wars by contributing food and assisting at special occasions.

She volunteers at Colonial Manor, and each month with others, she co-hosts a birthday party for those who had birthdays during the month. As a member of the Red Hat Society, she looks forward to donning her red hat and sallying forth to a luncheon and a period of relaxation and fun.

Described by friends as one who "quietly and peacefully goes about doing things for others," she has become known as a 'soft touch," always willing to pitch in and help. She explains that "Whitefish is my home town, and I want to be a part of it. It makes me feel good to see smiles on people's faces."

Shirlee, you have put smiles (and maybe a few pounds' on all those with whom you've come into contact. Your friendship and contributions have made joyous occasions more festive, and sad occasions more tolerable, all of which makes our community a better place, and we thank you.

— Jake Heckathorn

This column is dedicated to those who give freely of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects, but whose efforts often go unnoticed. If you know such a person, please e-mail [email protected].