Mae Rose Shirtliff, 79
Mae Rose Shirtliff passed away Wednesday, May 30, 2007, of natural causes at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. She was born May 8, 1928, in Havre, the daughter of Carl and Rose Elizabeth Larson.
Mae Rose married A.J. Shirtliff, on April 29, 1945. The couple had three children. They lived and worked in Havre for many years before moving to Kalispell 35 years ago.
Mae worked many years for Buttrey Foods and Rosauers. A.J. and Mae enjoyed Flathead Lake especially after A.J. retired from Hillstead's Furniture where he had worked for years. The family holds many fond memories of boating and picnicking on Flathead Lake.
After she retired, Mae Rose was very active in her church, Bethlehem Lutheran. She was a member of many women's circles over the years and a member of the choir for 35 years. Music was her second passion next to her husband and children. A song was always in the air.
She shared her love for music by joining the Sunshine Chorus, Razz-Ma-Tazz, and her beloved Kitchen Band. As a member of R.S.V.P. the different groups traveled weekly to Brendan House, Heritage Place, the Lutheran home, Lakeview Manor, Colonial Manor, Senior Center, and Greenwood Village, entertaining to bring joy of music to the residents.
Mae Rose was an avid crossword solver; she crocheted beautifully, and had a zest for life that was contagious. She was friendly, and so kind.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Bill, Larry and Russell Larson, her beloved daughter, Tina Rae, and Tina's 4-year old son, Soliel Falcon.
She is survived by her loving husband, A.J., of Kalispell; son, James Shirtliff, and wife, Christina, of Kalispell; and daughter, Carol Bailey, and husband, Howard, of Havre. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kimberly Edwards of Havre, Shannon Solomon of Havre, Gwho-ee Jackson of British Columbia, Tshe Jackson of British Columbia, and Nuci Jackson, California; aunt, Aldora Hervol Dodson, of Havre, aunt, Leona Larson, of Havre; and many great-grandchildren. Relatives include Bob and Helen Shirtliff and family of Kalispell, and Ron and Gloria Shirtliff and family of Kalispell.
Memorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 15, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell. A reception will follow the service downstairs in the church.
Memorials may be sent to Bethlehem Lutheran Church Choir Fund, 603 S. Main, Kalispell, or to R.S.V.P., Attention: Marge Littlefield, The Kitchen Band, 160 Kelly Road, Kalispell.