Shirley B Vermillion, age 89 of Helena

Shirley Vermillion, 89, passed peacefully in her sleep January 24, 2025 with family by her side at her son’s home in Hamilton Montana. She was born June 7, 1935 in Pomona California to Orval & Beatrice (Andrus) Stone.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Earl Vermillion, her eldest son Larry Douglas Vermillion, her only sibling Brent Lockwood, and many beloved dogs, cats, birds, and other pets.
Shirley never met an animal she didn’t love and want to care for. This included fallen baby birds, dogs with many medical issues or disabilities and gave them all loving homes in their final days.
Shirley traveled with her husband and family for years when Earl was in the Military. As a newlywed she joined her husband in Ethiopia. During his assignment there, their eldest (Larry) was born. They had many other interesting deployments including Germany. They always planned on returning to California together after Earl retired from the US Army, but his last assignment was in Great Falls Montana. Once in Montana they knew they were home and settled in Helena in 1974, where they were very active in the community.
Shirley had many exciting and varied employments, the most exciting being her years with the NSA. (She wouldn’t disclose much about those top-secret duties, and she would never elaborate without telling you your life might then be in jeopardy.) She retired from employment with the State of Montana.
Over the years Shirley also served in her church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) in just about every capacity. She served as an officer with the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Auxiliary for years.
She enjoyed teaching her children to sew, gardening, singing with Sweet Adelines, going to her grandchildren’s many sporting events, planning family reunions and parties, and took great pride in sharing the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren (bragging). She loved to celebrate and gather with friends and family.
Shirley is survived by her children Charlene (Jay) Knight of Utah, Patricia (Fred) West of Hamilton, MT, Jim (Mary) Vermillion of Hamilton, MT, and Brian (Dani) Vermillion of East Helena, MT, 11 grandchildren (Kara, Brady, Katy, Devin, Tyler, Gage, Parker, Cooper, Selway, Meakin, Kadic) and 12 great-grandchildren (Makayla, Max, Joseph, Grace, Jack, Milo, Owen, Emmett, Adler, Riggs, Sawyer, Eleanor). She is also survived by her two little pups, Ruby and Marcus.
Funeral services are being provided by Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home on Monday, February 3, 2025. A public viewing will be held from 11:00 am to 11:45 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 1260 Otter Road, Helena, MT. The funeral services will be held at the same location beginning at 12:00 pm. Interment will be at the Veteran’s Cemetery at Fort Harrison, Montana.

Service Schedule

Viewing

11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Monday February 3, 2025

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

1260 Otter Road

Helena, Montana 59602

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Funeral Service

12:00 p.m

Monday February 3, 2025

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

1260 Otter Road

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Interment

Following the Funeral Service

Monday February 3, 2025

Montana State Veterans Cemetery

Heroes Road

Fort Harrison, Montana

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Reception

Following the Burial

Monday February 3, 2025

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

1260 Otter Road

Helena, Montana 59602

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