Shirley was a believer in God; she passed away on July 11, 2013 after a struggle with multiple medical problems at the Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point, MT. She passed eleven days before her 70th birthday. Shirley was the daughter of Fred Shields, Sr. and Francis Smith Hitchcock, both deceased. She was born July 22, 1943 in Poplar, MT.
She attended a number of schools including Pierre Indian School in Pierre, SD, Flandreau Indian School in Flandreau, SD, Poplar Schools, and Bell Gardens Senior High School in Bell Gardens, CA, where she graduated in 1961. Shirley also completed 2 years of Business Administration at Haskell Junior College in Lawrence, KS and earned credits at the Fort Peck Community College in Poplar. She received a number of employment related certificates.
Shortly after graduating from Haskell Indian Junior College, Shirley married Patrick Clements of Crawford, NE. A son, Patrick, was born on May 8, 1969 in Great Falls, MT; he lived mainly with his father. He passed away on November 26, 2010 in Seattle, WA. She also had a daughter she lost during childbirth.
In 1974, Shirley married Alvin James, living in Nevada until the couple divorced in 1980. Shirley then returned to the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.
Shirley liked to do arts and crafts, making yard God’s eyes and red willow dream-catchers. Her dream-catchers were selected inclusion in a crafts brochure sponsored by the Fort Peck Assiniboine Council. She liked animals, and was especially fond of her cat “Two Face”. She liked to socialize with her friends and relatives.
Shirley was a strong promoter of Native American issues. In 1980, a National Native American action called the “Longest Walk” was held where Native Americans walked from California to Washington, D.C., to address and present Native American issues. Shirley joined the walk in Nevada and walked from there to the nation’s capital.
Shirley worked most as a Secretary for the Bureau Indian Affair, NOAA, Fort Peck Community College, and Wolf Point Community Organization. She also worked as a Tribal Liaison, a consultant, and operated a screen-printing business with her husband for two years.
She served as a Secretary for the Wolf Point Community Organization in its formative years and was a strong supporter thereafter. Even though she was not fond of political events, when a family member was a candidate for elected office, she worked hard to help them get elected. She collected and had a small turtle collection she had assembled throughout the years. On June 22, 1984, she married George Redstone in Wolf Point where they lived together ever since.
Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Fred Shields, Sr.; mother, Francis Smith Hitchcock; older sister, Joy; son, Patrick; and a new born baby girl.
Just hours after her death on July 12, 2013, Shirley’s older sister, June Stafne also passed away.
Shirley is survived by her husband, George Redstone of Wolf Point; brothers, Caleb (Yvonne) Shields of Yakima, WA, and Thomas “Stoney” (Julie) Anketell of Wolf Point; sisters, Rozanne Shields, Sharon “Sherry” Shields, Sandra (Kenneth) Azure all of Wolf Point; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
A prayer service for Shirley, and her sister, June, will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 16 at the Blue Sky Ministries church in Wolf Point. Funeral services for both sisters will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 17 at the Blue Sky Ministries church in Wolf Point. Her sister June will be buried first, then Shirley’s remains will be taken to the Fort Kipp Cemetery, where she will be buried next to her father. Food, or any other donations, may be brought to the Blue Sky Ministries church in Wolf Point.
Shirley’s husband, George, would like to offer a special thanks to Shirley’s sisters, Sherry and Rozanne, his sister, Mary, niece, Leann Redstone, and Artis Clark, who all helped him in keeping Shirley company during her final days. Thanks to Joann Hibil and Jobey Flynn and their Faith Lutheran Home staff for the special care they provided Shirley while in their care. Thank all of you who offered prayers, to those who created artwork and offered condolences personally and on the social media, to those who offered to help in any way and to bring food. You help throughout Shirley’s final days will be remembered.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family using the form below.
Marilyn Hudson says
Our sincere sympathy to Shirley’s family. She will be missed by many, many people. We are sorry to lose a good friend like Shirley.
Tim Cody says
So sorry to hear of both Shirley and June’s passing. I consider them both to be good friends and know that they are in God’s hands now. My condolences to all the families.
Brian Azure, Sr says
Fish (George) very sorry to hear about your loss. Praying for you.
Grant Stafne says
Goodbye Auntie. You and Mom travel safe and well.
Carol Juneau says
We send our prayers and our sympathies to you and your family. Shirley was a dear friend back in the old relocation days in California. She was my bridesmaid. We had some great times together and I was always proud of her for standing up for American Indian rights. She was brave and was a fighter! We will miss her.
Stan and Carol Juneau
Great Falls, Montana
Joyce [Jackley] Baer says
George [Fish] I am so sorry for your loss. Have often thought of you and hoped and prayed that you were healthy and happy. Nice to know that you had a wonderful family life and a beautiful wife. My sincere condolences to you and all the family. May God comfort and give you all His peace at this time.
mickey and wayne, failing says
I am so sorry for the loss of Shirley, She was so full of life Our thoughts and prays are with
the family. Love you all.
Kylee Fourbear says
I miss u u will always be in my heart
Reave Warren says
George:
This morning I was going through some old newspaper clippings and ran across the article with your picture about Wolf Point purchasing the Great Divide Manufacturing Co. It brought back some fond memories of You and Shirley during the time we ran that DOD Target Contract. I got on the internet to see if I could locate you just to say hello. I found the obituary of about Shirley and it is with great sadness that I add my thoughts and memories. Often we touch people and never realize their impact as Shirley has. I read that Shirley was a believer in God, which raises the hope that LaFern and I will see her again one day. Our prayer is that all is well with you George. Reave and LaFern Warren