Shirley Marie Burton passed away Monday, March 17, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Red Lodge, Montana on January 26, 1936 to George and Josephine (Thompson) Brown. Shirley attended grade school and graduated high school in Red Lodge then attended the University of Montana in Missoula.
Shirley married Glen Burton on August 22, 1954 in Red Lodge, Montana. They began their married life at Fort Benning, Georgia and then transferred to Fort Dix, where son, Bill was born. Upon Glen’s discharge from the army, they moved to Broadus and welcomed daughters Becky and Barb to the family. While raising an active family, Shirley worked as a bookkeeper for the Cal Gas Company, Powder River Clinic, and the Broadus High School. She joined Glen in the Broadus Insurance Service Agency as a financial representative.
In her free time Shirley was an avid card player and spent many holidays playing Canasta with her children and later with her grandchildren. She was an accomplished bridge player, and enjoyed bowling, teaching Sunday school, reading, golfing and Eastern Star. A special highlight was acting as the delegate for Republican Party during the presidential election in Miami Florida in 1972. She especially enjoyed cheering on the Broadus Hawks as a proud parent in the stands and later supported her grandchildren in all of their activities. Family was always her highest priority and she was thrilled when she became a great-grandma. Her fried pheasant with mashed potatoes and gravy was incentive for the hunters to stay out until they shot their limit.
In retirement Shirley and Glen enjoyed their Sun City Arizona home during winter, living in Helena during the summer and visiting grandchildren in Florida and Oregon.
Shirley was preceded in death by her brother, Jim Brown, and her parents. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Glen; Bill (Barbara) Burton of Helena, Montana; Becky Filosofos (Dave) Correia of Orlando, Florida; Barbara (Darrell) Dalby of Woodland, Washington; five grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and one sister, Nancy Larson, of Miles City.
A memorial service celebrating Shirley’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2014 at Touchmark, 915 Saddle Drive. Memorials in Shirley’s name are suggested to Powder River Farm in the Dell,c/o Farm in the Dell International 1208 Poplar, Helena, Mt 59601; Relay for Life In Broadus Mt c/o Pat Gardner, PO Box 629, Broadus Mt, 59317; or Florence Crittenton Home, 901 North Harris, Helena, Mt. 59601
Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com or www.stevensonandsons.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Shirley.
Vanna Lancaster Byrd says
Glen and family, I am so sorry to hear about Shirley. I really enjoyed visiting with you whenever you got back to Broadus. She will be greatly missed. God Bless and comfort you all!
Ella Mae Parker Pelletier says
Glen, we are so sorry to learn of your loss of Shirley. Know we are thinking of you!
Laura Lee Ullrich says
Glen and families, I am so saddened by the passing of Shirley. I really thought the world of her and enjoyed visiting when we could. She was always so complimentary of me and the Copper Moon (in later years}. She was a class act and leaves a wonderful legacy in your three kids. I will keep you all in my prayers. With sympathy, Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich
Lewis & Marla says
Glen and family so sorry to hear about Shirley our thoughts and prayers are with you
Tina says
Glen and family so sorry to hear about Shirley. She was a grand lady. When I went to work at the Clinic in 1979 she took me under her wing. One of my treasured keepsakes is a medical dictionary she gave me for Xmas that year.
Cora Mae Ofstie says
Glen and family I’m so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. What a wonderful friendly person she was. My thoughts and Prayers to you all.
Cora Smith Ofstie
Tom & Ann Emmons says
Glen and family our thoughts are with you. May your memories ease the sadness.
Judy Denson-Keller says
My heart thoughts and prayers go out to the Burton family. The Broadus community has suffered another great loss of a wonderful person and family friend. I will always remember how Shirley’s smile would light up her whole face. I’ll never forget how kind she always was and how she loved to be around kids. I also remember how she showed her support at the Rainbow girls meetings. Also a long time ago I remember spending a week with the Burton family while attending Vacation Bible School. That was so much fun. Shirley and Glen have always been there for not only for their kids but for others as well. May God Bless all of you. Sending hugs, thoughts, and prayers your way!
Slug & Poppy Mills says
Glen & family,
Sorry for your loss but know she is in a better place now & pain free. Our thoughts & prayers are directed your way.
Mary Runkel says
Dear Glen and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember her “Queen wave and smile” What a delightful courageous lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you.