Shirley Jean (Nyberg) Van Diest passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Saturday afternoon September 24, 2011.
Shirley was born November 8, 1937 in Conrad, Montana to Lois (Johnson) Nyberg and Vernon C. Nyberg, Sr. Shirley was raised on the family farm. Attended and graduated grade and high school in Conrad.
Shirley met Stanley G. Van Diest on New Year’s Eve 1957 and were married October 13th of the year. To this union, there were three loving children born, Allan Lee, February 3, 1959, Cheryl Ann, July 4, 1960 and Terrie Lou, December 16, 1961. Terrie Lou (Van Diest) Klimpel passed away on December 20, 2003 in Fernley, Nevada.
Shirley worked in Conrad and Great Falls before the family moved to Helena in September 1960. In Helena she worked as a playground and school aid. Shirley also worked as a receptionist for Jensen Insurance for a number of years.
During all of her years of marriage she was a wonderful devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and loyal friend to many.
In addition to her daughter, Terrie Lou, Shirley was preceded in death by a grandson, Callin Michael Klimpel; her parents, Lois and Vern Nyberg; sister, Carol Norsby; brother, Wayne Nyberg; brothers-in-law, Robert Norsby and Donald Sperry; nephews, Gene Meier and David Sperry and niece, Debbie Niesen.
She is survived by her loving husband, Stanley Van Diest; son, Allan Van Diest; daughter, Cheryl Tadej; grandchildren, Damon Van Diest, Niccole Van Diest, Amanda Mansch, Kristen Mansch, Jake Mansch, Stormie Klimpel; great granddaughters, Rye Lee Van Diest, Tracy Meismer and great grandson, Axton Mansch. Also surviving Shirley are her brother, Vernon Nyberg, Jr. and wife Marilyn; sisters, Marilyn and husband Dale Meier, and Joyce McAlister; aunt, & uncle Richard and Dorothy Johnson; sisters-in-law, Margaret Sperry and Kay Phipps and many dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A memorial service celebrating Shirley’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 30th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison. Memorials in Shirley’s name are suggested to the Dialysis Unit or the Respiratory Treatment Center both in care of St. Peter’s Hospital 2475 E. Broadway Street Helena, Montana 59601. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Cathy (Pullin) Kovich says
Cheryl and family, I am sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl says
Mom, You are in Heaven now with Terrie and dancing on the clouds!! I LOVE YOU Mom!
Cory says
We will miss you Aunt Shirley!
Della Dobbins says
I’m sorry for your loss. Mrs. Van Diest was the best playground aid in the world at Lincoln school! She was just like our mom!
Della Dobbins
Jerry Crawford says
Stanley, I’ve never seen a more devoted husband in my life. I called you man slave in rehab because of that devotion. I’m so sorry Shirley has past and want to wish you only the best. I already miss her as well as K you. Jerry Crawford
Lue & John Balkema says
Stan, Allen & Cheryl,
We are so sorry to hear about Shirley. She has been such a dear friend for so many years. I remember so fondly celebrating our birthdays together. She is not suffering now as she has for so many years. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lue & John
Pauline Hammermeister Petersen says
Dear Joyce, Marilyn and Vernon and Families–I am so sorry to read of your sister Shirley’s death. May your faith in our Lord and Savior help to ease the pain at this time. My love, sympathy and prayers are with you. In Christian Love, Pauline Petersen
Tammy Jacoby says
I am so sorry. Shirley was a wonderful woman that touched many lives. She will be greatly missed. Your family is in my toughts and prayers. Tammy