Shirley Ann Finfrock Elam, 74

Shirley passed away Dec. 20, 2014, peacefully with her granddaughter by her side.

“She is now with her Lord.” She fought a hard battle from several surgeries from a broken leg after a fall at home. Shirley was 74 years young when she left the ones she loved.

Shirley was born Feb. 15, 1940, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Roy and Eulabelle Thompson. Shirley was raised by her grandmother, Icy Hull, after her parents divorced. She moved to Cook, Nebraska, when her mother remarried to her new dad Philip Doeden. Shirley and her brother Floyd were then joined by her sister Janice and brother Danny. On their farm, Shirley milked the cows and tended to the chickens with her mother. She attended a country school where she rang the bell every day.

Shirley married Clarence Finfrock in April 1959. She later moved to Whitefish. They built their own home on the property they bought. Together they had three children, Scott Finfrock, Bonnie Finfrock and Sue Lytle. After the death of Clarence, Shirley re-married to Jerry Elam which brought in two more daughters to the family, Corina and Nickie. After Jerry passed, Shirley fought and won her battle with breast cancer.

Over the years, Shirley enjoyed watching her daughter and granddaughters show their horses in 4-H and in other shows. She had the best advice to give — just try hard, do your best and have fun.

Shirley enjoyed entering her exhibits in the local fair, including her grand champion scare crow and her prize-winning rooster. Watching her son restore old cars and watching her daughter work horses were a big joy for her to see the finished project.

Shirley is survived by her three children, grandkids Kristen and Timothy House; great-granddaughters, Audree Mclaughlin, that she loved so dearly, Gabriel and Tiffany Pena — she loved spending the time she had with them — grandson Rick Pena, stepdaughter Nicki Boykin and her family, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 1 p.m. June 20 at the family home in Whitefish, with a potluck reception following the service. Any memories and condolences may be sent to the family at 210 Reservoir Road, Whitefish, MT 59937.

Our loving mother is so greatly missed. We love you Mom and Granny Poo.