Shirley Kareen Zimmerman, born July 25, 1932 in Wolf Point, MT to Halvor and Clara Lien, she joined a sister and 4 brothers. She was raised in McCone County. She graduated at age 16 as Valedictorian. In Wolf Point, Class of 1948.
Shirley married Russell Zimmerman on September 17, 1950. They had four children, Layne, Darrel, Marlys, and Grant. They farmed and ranched north of Wolf Point. She served dinner every day for the working men or took it out to the field.
Shirley was active in the First Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday School and Adult Bethel Bible Study. She was on the church council for many years and was the first female president. She was still church funeral director since the 1960’s. She was a member or the Women of the ELCA and was lay pastor at times.
She was President of the 100 Club and was part of the committee that organized the Smorgasbord every fall. She made roasts for years for family gatherings, she bakes all the time for anyone in need.
Shirley is survived by her children, Layne (Leslie), Darrel (Jennifer), Marlys, and Grant (Pepper). Also 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Monday, June 27 at the First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point. Inurnment will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery. Donations can be made to the 100 club at PO Box 1001 Wolf Point, MT 59201. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
David Julie Schumacher says
So sorry to here this she was a wonderful lady she will be missed may God comfort you at this time
Julane and Dick says
Shirley and Russel were great friends to our family. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Dennis Visser says
Condolences to the Zimmerman family on the loss of your mom/grandmother. She was always so wonderful to me, and I will always look at her as one of the final links to my childhood.
Chris and Greg Holler-Dinsmore says
Deepest condolences to family and friends. Shirley was an amazing woman, intelligent, generous, caring, principled, curious, and loyal to family and friends. I will miss her wise counsel. She was a very forgiving pinochle partner and a very good friend and adopted mother. We have lost a grand matriarch. Her faith was her gift to all, and so, may we find consolation and hope in it. Lifting all up in prayer.
Patti Kessler says
Sorry for your loss, she was kind hearted & Always
Smiling wanting to Visit, a very Dear Lady!
May she rest in Peace.
God’s Blessings to all the Family.
Jean Archdale says
I will remember Shirleys smile whenever i saw her, she was a dear sweet lady, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Glen Zeigler says
What an amazing lady and a wonderful cook. I will never forget our family going to the farm on Christmas night where Darrel and I would make sure that the bacon on her famous turkey did not go to waste.
Harvest time was equally as memorable, two sandwiches(at least I got two), a drink and a “snack” would be waiting each morning in a lunchbox accompanied with an ice cold water jug. A hug and kiss was guaranteed every time we visited. May her memory live eternally.
scott taylor says
An exemplary woman…she was always so kind and upbeat…so sorry for you all…God Bless you Shirley and your family……Scott.
Barbara Wood says
Darrel, Jennifer and family; and Shirley’s family: I have such fond memories of your Mom from when I lived in WP. Always so gracious and never without a smile on her face. Hold dear to all your memories. Love and Hugs to all.
Bobbie
Dianne says
Shirley always had a smile on her face. She was a wonderful lady. My condolences to her family.
Laurie Anderson says
So sorry to hear of the loss of Shirley. She was a wonderful neighbor and always was helping anyone. She will be missed. My prayers are with the whole family.
lila martinsen Garrick says
what a special person. So blessed to have had her in my life
DAWN M ALLEN says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of you.
Dale J Stensland says
Condolences for the families of; Lane, Darrell, Marlys & Grant.
Shirley & Russell were my God Parents,
Shirley was a wonderful person & lite the rooms she entered! She will be missed.
Sue Stevens says
Shirley was the lay pastor at my parents’ internment. She was so empathetic and compassionate. We appreciated her kindness and smiles. Prayers for your family.