Helen 'Shirley' Weinberg, 82

“The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit … is of great worth, in God’s sight.” – 1 Peter 3:4

Wife, mother, friend and neighbor “took Jesus’ hands, got up and walked with him to heaven” on the evening of April 17, 2018.

She was known to all as Shirley, and she was an incredible woman! God broke the mold when he made her! She continues to touch so many lives and her memory will live on!

Shirley made her entrance into the world on May 11, 1936, exactly one year to the day of her parents’ wedding anniversary. Being the only child for the first five years, she was her father’s 5 o’clock shadow and every time he came home from working on the railroad; it was a treat, for he may have goodies!

Her parents, Helen and Allen Tetschner, raised six children in Sheridan, Wyoming. Shirley took care of each of her siblings as they entered this world and she took care of her dog, Sport. The family would frequently visit the grandparents’ farm in Montana, where Shirley loved being around the animals. Family gatherings were an everyday occurrence with Shirley’s family. Love and laughter always filled Shirley’s heart with joy.

After graduating high school in 1954, Shirley trained as a telephone operator, in the days of the switchboard. One time, she recalled getting a familiar voice on the other end … it was her dad! It was during this time she met her future husband, Ray Weinberg, at a dance social in Montana. Her grandparents knew the Weinbergs, and Shirley’s grandma thought highly of Ray, and told Shirley that she needed to marry that nice boy! So after several correspondence letters and a few dates, Shirley and Ray were married on May 27, 1955, in Hardin.

They bought their first car, a 1955 “President” Studebaker, and had their first child, Norman, in 1957. Soon after, they moved from Wyoming to Montana, due to Ray’s job. They eventually relocated and settled in the Flathead Valley in 1960. They quickly made friends and neighbors and Shirley became a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She loved being part of the congregation and was active in helping out wherever needed. Shirley was also a member of the East Side Circle club and loved her Bible study group.

In 1967, Shirley and Ray moved to their current residence, east of Kalispell, in the country. At the time, Shirley couldn’t imagine living so far out of town! Again, she quickly adapted to farm life and made friends out of neighbors, making lifelong friendships that still hold today. In 1969, her daughter Diane (a premature birth), was born in Denver. Having a preemie, Shirley became the definition of a mother’s love and never complained and knew every day was a gift.

Throughout Shirley’s life, she was just Mom. She created a special bond with both her children. Being so far apart in age, she took care of each, equally, and as each grew up, she became their lifelong best friend.

Shirley wore many “hats” — from chauffeur to sports practices, Norman, with football, and Diane, with basketball, to being a 4-H leader for both her children, an everyday nursemaid, a teacher, and her children’s cheerleader plus taking care of the farm and house with husband, Ray. As the children grew up, she was a part of the country school’s Mother’s Club. Shirley’s “job” as a mom, was priceless!

Her daughter, Diane, recalls of their “goof off” days, vividly! After a hard days’ work in the garden, yard or feeding the animals, Shirley would treat to a day of just spending time together, making memories, and having fun! In her later years, age caught up with her, so Shirley would stay home and putter around the farm. Shirley would work in her flowerbeds, along with her dog, Magnum. The yard was Shirley’s sanctuary; always an abundance of flowers, a flowing water fountain, some outdoor lighting and beautifully landscaped lawn made for a pretty nice backyard getaway, without leaving the driveway. She would help her husband with farm chores, whenever he needed an extra hand! Being a farm wife … it came with the territory!

As Shirley’s mobility weakened, her daughter, Diane, would drive her to town to shop. Shirley would get in the go-carts and go, go, go! She loved her TV time, her “stuffed” buddies, (Nicholas, Reese and DJ), doing her crossword puzzles, and playing cards with family and friends. She had the gift of gab and you could always have a nice conversation with Shirley on the telephone … remind you of something ... She was also a voracious reader; she loved to read and could read a book cover to cover in one day!

Christmas was Shirley’s favorite holiday. Growing up, her father, Allen just loved Christmas. He couldn’t wait to open presents … guess she took after him because decorations and music filled her home with holiday cheer. Shirley was known for her distinctive handwriting and annual Christmas poem, which everyone looked forward to every year!

Shirley is survived by her husband, Ray Weinberg, of 63 years, of Kalispell; her son, Norman Weinberg (Deanne), of Colorado Springs, Colorado; granddaughters, Lauren and Katarina Weinberg, both of Purcellville, Virginia; her daughter, Diane Weinberg, of Kalispell; her three sisters, Karen (John) Steir, Agnes Blaney and Fern Leach, all from Sheridan, Wyoming; brother-in-law, Tom (Carolyn) Weinberg, of Hardin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Allen Tetschner; and her brothers, Raymond and Carroll Tetschner.

Shirley was a gift and a joy! Never a burden and not just someone to take care of … She was seen as someone who wasn’t done living! … Forever in our hearts and never forgotten …

We love you … forever.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 28, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Kalispell.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s name can be done through the University of Colorado Foundation/CU Advancement (www.giving.cu.edu) for research/follow-up in the Neonatal/Perinatal Unit of the University of Colorado Medical Center, Denver, CO. Tel: (303) 541-1290 for information.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family. Please visit www.jgfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family.