Shirley Kuchynka reluctantly passed away on Monday October 6, 2025, at age 97 ½. She did not want to leave her children behind, which was a testament to her unconditional love for them.
Shirley was born on Jan 2, 1928, in Valley City, North Dakota to Edna and John Naekel. She joined siblings Charles, Ruth, and Doris and was later joined by another sister Donna and a baby brother Jimmy on the family farm.
At age 16, she met the love of her life, Henry “Hank” Kuchynka, at a family dance. Unbeknownst to both of them at the time, each was a winner in a local professional photo contest. He was a handsome black haired fellow, and she was an auburn beauty. He had actually noticed her photo in the display window earlier and said I’d like to get to know her someday, not knowing that would actually happen. They married later that same year on October 10, 1944. When the judge learned she was 16, he told her to go home and grow up. Fortunately, she ignored this advice, and they enjoyed 73 ½ years together until Hank passed away in 2018. At age 97, she did mention that she’d like to talk to that judge to let him know just how wrong he was. To this union six children were born.
While Hank served in the Army, Shirley resided on the family farm in ND where they welcomed their first child Larry. When Hank was discharged in 1946, they moved to Miles City and made their permanent home in the house she lived in until a month before her death.
Shirley worked various jobs throughout the years to help support the family, her favorite being a nurses aid at the hospital where she made lifelong friends. In their early years when times were tight, Shirley and Hank somehow managed to welcome any relative needing a home and ensured nobody ever left the table hungry. She was an amazing cook who loved feeding her friends and family whenever she got the chance and apologized frequently in her 90’s when she could no longer feed her guests.
Shirley was known for having a green thumb and in partnership with Hank’s pristine yard, her beautiful flowers helped them win the Yard of the Week in Miles City multiple times. Her advice on how to create a lovely flower arrangement is to always add yellow flowers. While tending to her flowers, she always enjoyed her visits with longtime neighbors and friends, Clyde and Kathy Leischner.
Shirley loved to play cards. She won many games and was still very sharp, even playing up until a month before she passed away. Her only vice was an occasional swear word when she got a bad hand. Her family, especially her daughters, will greatly miss those Saturdays spent playing cards and enjoying a meal together.
Whether you called her Shirley, Mom, Grandma, Aunt Shirley, or “Red”, this family icon leaves a lasting void in our hearts that we will fill with amazing memories of a loving mother, a gentle grandma’s touch, an incredible cook and baker, a devoted and caring wife, a witty and wonderful woman.
Shirley was preceded in death by her eldest son Larry Kuchynka, daughter Kathy Pering, parents, brother Charles Naekel, sisters Ruth Whitaker, Doris Johnson, and Donna Beyer, sons-in-law Merrill Pearcy Jr. and Ron Kiosse, and special family friend Jim Cook.
Shirley is survived by children Gary (Jeanne) Kuchynka of Montrose, CO, Sandra Pearcy of Miles City, Rick Kuchynka of Billings, Cindy Kiosse (Pat) of Terry, daughter-in-law Rhea Kuchynka of Helena, son-in-law Scott Perring of Miles City, brother Jim Naekel, sister-in-law Aggie Barrick, 15 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She also left behind a very special friend and angel in disguise, Heather Carter.
We want to thank the wonderful home care givers, Jackie, Chrissy, and Lori, and the wonderful staff at Holy Rosary.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Family will receive friends from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City followed by a graveside service at 4:00 pm at the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Miles City. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Friday October 24, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
MIles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
4:00 p.m.
Friday October 24, 2025
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Friday October 24, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
MIles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
4:00 p.m.
Friday October 24, 2025
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Mona Trebesch says
Doug and Darv went to visit Uncle Hank and Aunt Shirley just after Doug retired 15 years ago. They had the best time catching up and Aunt Shirley fed them well! Doug and I stopped to visit when we went to Glacier Park. We had planned to leave on Sunday and Uncle Hank said it wasn’t legal to drive on Sunday. We decided to stop on the way back home to enjoy more time. Aunt Shirley made wonderful salads and desserts. I loved visiting with her as she was so interested in all the news on August and Helen’s family. God bless you all as you journey through this time.
Lori lund says
I am so sorry for your loss. She’s really going to be missed. I have never met a more beautiful person in my life. My prayers are going out to all of you. Sandy she always told me how much you were doing for her. She so loved all of you kids,her Grandchildren, and Great grandchildren. But she was very tired and tired of hurting. I truly wish there were more people like her in the world.
Brian Goodson says
Rest in peace Aunt Shirley. You were always so sweet to me when I visited and had the best snacks. I bet uncle Henry was there with open arms so excited to see you again. Sending all the love to the family.
MARTHA Crandall says
My sympathy
Dannette Cremer says
Sandra,
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. What a long life she had – hold her memory close to your heart.
Dannette Cremer
Pat Jones says
She was a special lady, my second Mom and you knew when you did wrong, she’d let you know,always also there when I needed to talk when I was growing up, one grand lady, love to all and God Bless yous.
Julie and Butch Krutzfeldt says
Shirley was such an incredible matriarch for a wonderful family. She was admired and loved by the whole extended group. You were fortunate to have such a beautiful mother and devoted caretaker. Our sympathy and love to you all.
Deb Bartholomew and Family says
Sandy, Cindy and Family;
I am so sorry for the loss of your Beautiful Mother. God has gained an amazing Lady. She will be truly missed by all her family and friends. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Shirley will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure all your memories as they will get you thru difficult days ahead. My Thoughts, Love, Hugs, and Prayers are with you all.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Sandy and family, we are so sad to hear of the loss of your mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers, may she rest in peace.
Teal Dobie says
To all of Shirleys family, I’m so sorry for y’alls loss. Shirley was a very special woman and I’m glad for the relationship her and I shared and the conversations we had. She will always hold a special place in my heart. My heart hurts but also feeling blessed to get a hug, kiss on the forehead and a “I love you Teal” the Thursday before she was reunited with her loved ones up above. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
James Howe says
Rest in Peace my dear friend. I will miss you My heart goes out to the family, my friends.
Linda Wolff says
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed visiting with Shirley every chance we got.
Paula Coate says
Sometimes in this life you meet someone who will forever leave a lasting impression — this is Shirley! What a beautiful lady. We spent so much time together back when Friendship Villa cared for her husband. We visited nearly every day, literally every day 🙂 and shared lots of laughs, hugs, she gave the best advice ever, and sometimes sad moments too – I’ve never met someone so committed to spending time with a loved one. I’m so sorry to hear this news Sandy, Cindy and Paula but I know she’s with Hank again and watching over everyone!
Brian Kuchynka says
Rest in peace grandma, we already miss you dearly. So many fond memories in the kitchen and backyard with all family and extended family over the years. Your “ I”ll just whip up some pies or cinnamon rollls” , we’re my fondest memories.
RIP Grandma, love Brian.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
So sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of her family.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Shirley was a special lady. Sending condolences to all of the family.
Jane Naekel says
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman (mom, wife, grandma, aunt, sister) and a life well-lived. I just loved reading about her life, your family and all the cherished memories. Love to you all.
Janie
Sherry S says
My thoughts & Prayers are with you All! Shirley was such a kind/sweet Lady that raised the most wonderful children & had a great life. I am thinking of each of you & sending Hugs your way! May you find peace knowing she’s back with all her loved ones in Heaven! <3 Sherry