Shirley F. Kirkland, 81

Shirley F. Kirkland, 81, passed away on Friday, Oct. 10, 2008, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. She was born on July 7, 1927, in Kalispell, to Robert and Rosalia (O'Claire) Wilson.

Shirley was raised in Kalispell and worked for the bus depot for several years before marrying Archie Kirkland on Oct. 26, 1947. She enjoyed working at the Northwest Montana Fairgrounds as a ticket taker for more than 20 years. In 1964, Shirley and Archie began a new business, Kirkland School Buses. She was an owner and operator for School District No. 5. Shirley drove bus No. 18 for 45 years. In 1999, she retired and missed her kids deeply.

Shirley was an active member for many years of the Somers Saddle Club, Eagles, School Bus Contractors Association and Retired Fireman Association.

She enjoyed her cabin with family and friends, especially on the Fourth of July. Vacations in the back country on her horse, Ginger, with her dog, Spike, on her saddle were among her favorite activities. She loved anything to do with the outdoors and her church.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Helen Ruggles and Rose Wollan, and one brother, Robert and Bobbie Wilson, all of Kalispell.

She is survived by her husband, Archie Kirkland; daughters, Karol Haupt Kirkland of Kalispell, and Karen Ivers and husband, Jerry, of Bullhead City, Ariz.; one grandson, Theron James Haupt, of Kalispell; four stepgrandchildren, Frances Ivers, Rhonda Miller, Brenda Owens and Malcolm 'Pistol' Ivers; one great-grandchild, Theron Haupt Jr.; one sister, Betty Stockwell and husband, Howard; and one brother-in-law, Bob Ruggles, of Kalispell; as well as many nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank Kalispell Regional Medical Center's staff and family members for their kindness and support.

Memorial services for Shirley will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Calvary Lutheran Church, with Pastor Robert Nilsen officiating. There will be no visitation.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Shirley's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Shirley's guest book.