Shirley Ann Dean

Shirley Ann Dean passed April 13, 2026 in Kalispell, Montana, surrounded by her children.

She was born in 1936 in Havre, Montana to Jesse and Luella Sooy. She was the oldest of four children. 

She loved the outdoors and spent her childhood exploring the Bullhook Creek dry-bed, ice skating and picnicking at Beaver Creek. She attended Havre Central High graduating in 1955. 

After high school, she attended Northern Montana College for one year where she met her husband Jerry. They married in 1956 in Havre where they made their first home while Jerry finished his degree to become a teacher. After Jerry's graduation, they settled in Libby where they welcomed six children.

As a family, they enjoyed camping trips in their renovated brown bus spending many special weeks at Seeley Lake with Shirley's sisters and brother and their families. Shirley was an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Libby where she worked as church secretary for over 19 years.

After retirement, Shirley and Jerry became avid fishermen and joined Good Sam's Club with friends from Libby enjoying many camping trips in their beloved fifth-wheel trailer. 

Shirley was a devoted bridge player throughout her adult life. She showed her love for those around her with cooking and baking. She enjoyed gardening and playing all types of games with her children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, her son David, and her great-grandson Wesley. 

She is survived by her daughter Denise (Orville), her daughter-in-law Lori, her son Dan (Barb), and her daughters Dana (Stacy), Darrelyn (Bill), and Delane (Eric), 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grand children.

No formal services are being planned at this time. The family plans to meet for a celebration of life this summer.