Shirlee Joy Spain, 82, of Kalispell “is with her Savior” as of June 27, 2013.

She was born to the late Walter and Dora Mecklenburg on Feb. 19 1931, in Bozeman.

Shirlee graduated from Bozeman High School in 1949 and attended Montana State University, majoring in home economics. 

She married Clark L. Spain on June 15, 1951, and during their ranching years early in their marriage they lived in Bozeman and Belgrade, later moving to Missoula and then Kalispell, where they have lived for the past 42 years and developed many valued friendships.

Shirlee was a busy mother to her four children, Howard, Janet, and the twins, Karen and Trude. She was a wonderful cook and baker. No one could make "Grandma rolls" like her. Shirlee enjoyed sharing her baked goodies with family, friends and neighbors. Shirlee was an exceptional seamstress and did her best to teach her daughters the art as well. Shirlee was a patient, quiet listener to her treasured family and friends and invested hours in hearing others’ thoughts. She offered intuitive and wise counsel on occasion, and was witty and clever with her "one liners."

Central Bible Church was her home church, and she enjoyed teaching Sunday School and serving in the kitchen for various activities. Attending Bible study with her friends at church was special to her. The local Sweet Adeline chapter benefited from Shirlee’s sewing ability and her tenor voice. She loved her dogs and cats, and there has never been a time there was not a pet in her home.

Those preceding Shirlee in death are her parents, Walter and Dora; one sister, Joann; four brothers, George Lewis, Howard, Bruce and Willard; her son, Howard; and great-grandson, Kaiden Spain.

Shirlee is survived by Clark, her husband of 62 years; daughters, Janet and Mark Carson of Billings, Karen, serving in the Philippines as a missionary, Trude and Paul Hunsucker of Polson, and daughter-in-law, Debbie Spain of Kalispell. Ten grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren were blessed to call her Grandma.

Services for Shirlee will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 1 at Central Bible Church.

Memorials in Shirlee’s honor can be given to Central Bible Church for Audio Books to be placed in the library or a charity of your choice. 

Arrangements are being handled by Buffalo Hills Funeral Home. Visit www.buffalohillfh.com to send notes of condolence.