Shirley Ann Thennis passed away November 7, 2021 following a prolonged illness. She was born Shirley Ann Gilliland on August 30, 1935 to Samuel and Theresa (Pat) Gilliland in Yankton, South Dakota. Shirley loved caring for people especially the geriatric community and became a nurse after attending nursing school in Yankton. She eventually became one of the first geriatric nurse practitioners in the state of Montana.
On August 16, 1955 she married Robert L. Thennis in Wagner, South Dakota. Together, they began a family and were blessed with six children. The family resided in Anaconda, Montana where Robert worked as a credit manager. The family moved to Auburn, Washington when Robert worked for Kaiser Cement. The family then moved to Mitchell, South Dakota after buying Hocking Home Nursing Home. In 1971 the family returned to Montana and Robert and Shirley purchased the St. John’s Hospital building in Helena. In October of 1972 Robert and Shirley renovated the building and began the Helena Nursing Home where Shirley utilized her nursing skills and was known to care for so many as the Director of Nursing at the facility.
Robert passed away in 2006 and not long after, Shirley had a stroke. Shirley did not ever “retire.” She continued her passion caring for others even volunteering to take blood pressures for other residents at Touchmark Assisted Living. She continued to give orders when she became a resident herself at the Helena Nursing Home which is now known as Rocky Mountain Care Center. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed traveling, the outdoors, hosting large family meals and playing card games. She particularly loved spending time with and caring for her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Shirley is proceeded in death by her parents Sam and Pat, her husband Robert, her brother Jim, her sister Patty and her daughter Terry Preite. She is survived by her brother Sam Gilliland, her children: Nicholas (Cheri), Terry’s ex-husband Richard, Samuel (Stacy), Timothy (Gwen), Roberta, and Charles. Grandchildren: Robert (Katrina) Thennis, Christin Thennis (Samuel Arellano), Damon Preite, Richie (Sarah) Preite, Tara Thennis, Trisha (Matt) Mazzotta, Tawnya (Tyler) White, Tessa Thennis, Timothy (Kelli) Thennis Jr., Shawn Thennis, Christopher Thennis (Julie Heppner), Nikki Thennis, Katelyn Thennis, and Shannon (Richard) Carr. Shirley is also survived by her 23 great grandchildren.
Memorials in Shirley’s name are suggested to Rocky Mountain Care Center 30 South Rodney Street, Helena, MT 59601.
A Funeral Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., with a reception to follow the service in the Social Hall of the funeral home. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 20, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday November 20, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Saturday November 20, 2021
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 20, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday November 20, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Saturday November 20, 2021
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
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Kathy Royston says
Roberta I’m sorry to learn about your mom. I think of you & Shawn often.
Clancie Bordoli Thennis says
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Shirley. She was an amazing lady and I loved her very much. I have nothing but love in my heart for her. The memories of the talks we had when I used to visit her at Touch mark I will cherish for ever. You all are in my prayers.
Londa Burns says
I am so sorry about Shirley. She was always fun to be around. I know she will be missed.
Rod Applegate says
Berta, Gwen, Tim and the Thennis family. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. I remember your Mom fondly from the days visiting my grandfather at the nursing home. Let the memories bring laughs and smiles. May you find strength in the Love and Kindness of family and friends.
Tanya Hartman says
While visiting the Veterans at Rocky, Shirley became part of the ones I would visit each month and include in our Christmas celebration. Getting to know her and see her for the last 6 years has been such a blessing to me. What an amazing and loving lady with such a big smile whenever you entered her room! So sorry for her loss and God’s blessings and healing to her family and friends.
Michelle Van Nice says
The Thennis Family,
So very sorry for the loss of your Mom. Thinking of all of you and keeping you in my prayers.
Michelle (Matyas) Van Nice
Fred Godfrey says
To Tim, Gwen and Timmy,
Mary and I are so sorry for the loss of your mom Tim, we know how special your mom was to you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Fred and Mary Godfrey
Richard Schultz says
Nick, Sam , Tim, Berta and Chuck, Lori and I were sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Oh the memories we have.! The trips, the dinners, the cards and the laughs.!!We will keep you all in our prayers including Terry who left us way too young. Pat, Sam and Bob now have their 4th for pinochle. With prayers ,Dick and Lori
Denise Hayden says
I am so sorry to hear of your moms passing. I can remember all the laughs and fun we had at the Hofbrau! Your mom and dad we’re a joy! Love to you all!
Mary says
Roberta, We have fond memories of Shirley!
We think of you aften! God bless, Daryl, Mary and David Tulberg
Kristina Blomquist says
May fond memories of your Mother bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. Much Love Kristina
KMR and Wylie says
Wylie and I were able to visit Shirley pre-covid. She was always welcoming, loved petting Wylie, and often talked about her husband, kids and grandkids. We will miss her…