Shirley Ann Sample, 69

Shirley Ann Sample, 69, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at Brendan House in Kalispell. Shirley was born Oct. 25, 1939, in Hansen County, S.D., to John and Margaret Bettcher. She was raised in Bridgewater, S.D. She attended elementary school and high school in Bridgewater.

Shirley married Wallace Sample in 1957 in Luvern, Minn., and they were married for 37 years.

In the late 1960s, she received her certified nurses assistant license, then proudly worked with the elderly for 30 years. In 2004, she retired and moved to Viborg, S.D., for a short period of time, before moving to Montana in 2005.

Shirley was part of the Bethany Lutheran Ladies Aid for many years. After moving to Montana in 2005, she became active with the Ladies of the Red Hat Society and was a faithful participant of the Sunshine Choir. Shirley also loved attending Prime timers, having late-night pizza with her friends at the Elms, and walking to Syke's every day for pie and coffee.

She was an avid reader, enjoyed word search puzzles, embroidery, and gardening, and took pride and joy in her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Margaret Bettcher; a sister, Darlene Bettcher; son, Steven Patrick Sample; and her husband, Wallace Sample.

She is survived by her children, Debra and husband, Roger Weinberg, of Kalispell, and Kathy Peterson of Viborg; siblings, Sharon and Jim Anderson of North Dakota, Dale and Darla Bettcher of Dell Rapids, S.D., Allen and Deb Bettcher of Iowa, Gerald and Sharon Bettcher of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Merle Bettcher Coleman of South Dakota; and grandchildren, Melissa Weinberg of Viborg, Amanda Peterson of Dell Rapids, Steven Peterson of Viborg, Christopher Peterson and fiancee, Tania Arnes, of Sioux Falls, and Brandi Peterson of Mitchell, S.D.

A celebration of Shirley's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Faith Alliance Church, with the Rev. Jim Davey officiating.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.