Shirley Ann Baeth

Shirley Ann Baeth was born in 1937 and died Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026

She was a woman of strength, steady love and legendary patience - passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in Oak Harbor, Washington, surrounded by her family, including her husband and children.

Born in Twin Falls, Idaho, to John and Evelyn (Starry) Kelly, Shirley was the eldest child and only daughter. She had four younger brothers - Johnny, Tom, Joe and Larry - she often said she learned early how to be both loving and tough (and probably how to hold her own in any situation). 

In the 1940s, the family moved to Libby, Montana, the place that would always truly be home in her heart. For 72 years, Shirley was the best friend and devoted wife of Brad Baeth. Their life together was a masterclass in commitment. Shirley was affectionately crowned “Saint Shirley” for her tireless grace in managing with her husband, Brad, not only a household of five active children, but also thrown in the mix was Brad’s best friend and older brother Dick whose constant presence made it seem to Shirley, like she was running a two-husband household. 

She handled it all with enduring love, grace, humor and a steady hand - while raising five children, no less.

Shirley’s strength and quiet determination extended well beyond her home. As a school administrator, she was a steady advocate for doing what was right—especially when it came to taking care of kids. 

Family lore still wonders (and mostly agrees) that she may have once marched into a principal’s office to insist that girls be allowed to wear pants in the winter— because freezing simply wasn’t an acceptable policy. It was classic Shirley: practical, compassionate and not afraid to speak up when it mattered. Her faith and church community were also a cornerstone of her life. 

Shirley had a way of noticing what people needed—often before they even knew themselves—and quietly making it happen. When her great-grandkids visited, Shirley rallied her church community without being asked, gathering everything from a highchair to a pack-and-play to toys, making sure both baby and parents had everything they needed. It was simply who she was—thoughtful, generous and always looking out for others in the most meaningful ways.

To her children and grandchildren, she was the “Gold Medal” of Moms and Grandmas—the one on the highest pedestal. She was the family’s anchor: strong, steady, and always the first person to call to make sure everything was okay (and gently remind you how to fix it if it wasn’t). Her advice was always spot on—practical, relatable and delivered with the wisdom of a woman who had seen it all.

Shirley is survived by her husband and her children: Vickie, Carol, Kathy and Jeff, along with her 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her eldest son, Terry. 

Her absence is felt with deep sorrow by all of us whom she loved so well, but we all take great comfort in knowing her oldest son, Terry, will be waiting in heaven with open arms and what a reunion that will be!

Shirley was truly someone special. Her legacy of fierce love, strength and saint-like patience will continue to guide us - probably with a gentle reminder now and then from above - and her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

All donations in Shirley’s memory can be made to “Christ Lutheran Endowment Fund” and a service will be held in Libby on June 13 at Christ Lutheran Church. Details on the exact time will follow.