Shirley Marie Burton passed away Monday, March 17, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Red Lodge, Montana on January 26, 1936 to George and Josephine (Thompson) Brown. Shirley attended grade school and graduated high school in Red Lodge then attended the University of Montana in Missoula.
Shirley married Glen Burton on August 22, 1954 in Red Lodge, Montana. They began their married life at Fort Benning, Georgia and then transferred to Fort Dix, where son, Bill was born. Upon Glen’s discharge from the army, they moved to Broadus and welcomed daughters Becky and Barb to the family. While raising an active family, Shirley worked as a bookkeeper for the Cal Gas Company, Powder River Clinic, and the Broadus High School. She joined Glen in the Broadus Insurance Service Agency as a financial representative.
In her free time Shirley was an avid card player and spent many holidays playing Canasta with her children and later with her grandchildren. She was an accomplished bridge player, and enjoyed bowling, teaching Sunday school, reading, golfing and Eastern Star. A special highlight was acting as the delegate for Republican Party during the presidential election in Miami Florida in 1972. She especially enjoyed cheering on the Broadus Hawks as a proud parent in the stands and later supported her grandchildren in all of their activities. Family was always her highest priority and she was thrilled when she became a great-grandma. Her fried pheasant with mashed potatoes and gravy was incentive for the hunters to stay out until they shot their limit.
In retirement Shirley and Glen enjoyed their Sun City Arizona home during winter, living in Helena during the summer and visiting grandchildren in Florida and Oregon.
Shirley was preceded in death by her brother, Jim Brown, and her parents. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Glen; Bill (Barbara) Burton of Helena, Montana; Becky Filosofos (Dave) Correia of Orlando, Florida; Barbara (Darrell) Dalby of Woodland, Washington; five grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and one sister, Nancy Larson, of Miles City.
A memorial service celebrating Shirley’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2014 at Touchmark, 915 Saddle Drive. Memorials in Shirley’s name are suggested to Powder River Farm in the Dell,c/o Farm in the Dell International 1208 Poplar, Helena, Mt 59601; Relay for Life In Broadus Mt c/o Pat Gardner, PO Box 629, Broadus Mt, 59317; or Florence Crittenton Home, 901 North Harris, Helena, Mt. 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Shirley.
Sherri Staats says
Bill (and family) all though I did not personally know your mom, I know you Bill through my association with you at the State. Please accept my heatrfelt prayers and sympathy on the loss of you beautful, mom, wife, sister, grand-mother and great-grandmother. I know the memories of her will comfort you in the days and years to come. God Bless you at this time.
Sharon & Bill Fletcher says
Glen, Barb, Bill and Becky – our thoughts and prayers are with you. Shirley was a very special lady and inspiration to all. Really hoped to see her on the river one more time.
Bob Biskupiak says
I was saddened to hear of Shirley’s passing. It has been many years since I have seen Glen or Shirley, but have fond memories. As a company representative for USF&G Insurance in the 1980’s and early 1990’s, I had the pleasure of traveling to Broadus and meeting with Glen Broadus Insurance. I especially recall one visit when I was traveling with another colleague. Glen and Shirley insisted that we stay at their home rather than a hotel. I also recall some good times on the golf course during several company outings. And if my memory is correct she was very proud of her “elephant” collection. Fond Memories – my thoughts and prayer go out to Glen and the rest of the family.
Bob Biskupiak
Karen and Hunter Nolen says
Burton Family,
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. We considered it a privilege to have visited with Glen and Shirley while in Helena for Krista and Julian’s wedding. Our lasting memory of Shirley was her sitting and cuddling a great-grandchild on the patio of Bill and Barbara’s home. It’s a very sweet memory.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Andrea Hough Heyneman says
For the Burton’s,
I was saddened and surprised to read of Shirley’s passing. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers. May your faith and memories lend you comfort during this difficult time.
Robbin Stoddard says
Glen, Bill and family, Becky and family, Barb and family….My most heartfelt condolences. The Burton family was such an integral part of Broadus as I was growing up, and I have many fond memories of time spent at your home. Shirley was always one of my favorite Moms. My heart is with you all, and my prayers have your names in them.
Carolyn Johnson says
So very sorry of your loss. I have such great memories of you all. It was always special to look at Shirley’s elephant collection and have her visit our crazy home just down the hill. We all grew up in such a great era, with lots of Broadus moms and dads watching over us. Your mom was so supportive of all of us and so interested in all we did. Her laugh was one of those unique ones that is unforgettable. I am so glad that she and your whole family were part of mine. Love to you all!
Ray and Debbie Thares says
Bill & Glen and family:
We are so sorry for your loss. We hope you and your family are doing good. Hopefully all your good memories will help you through these difficult times.
Mark and Kate Peterson says
Burton Family,
My deepest condolences on your loss. I first met Glen and Shirley when I stayed at their home in Broadus when Bill was in Little League, and was treated like part of the family. I know these are difficult times, but I also know you all have many fond memories.
Wayne Wetherelt Jr says
Glen,Bill & family, Becky & family, Barb & family
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Your mom was a wonderful caring person and I always enjoyed visiting with her throughout the years. May the memories you share provide you all comfort during this time. Take care and know we share your sorrow.
Sue Ann Leininger says
We are thinking of all of you as we share in the loss of your wife/mom/grandmother with you. Your family has been an important part of our lives for many years and Shirley’s energy and caring will be remembered and treasured for a very long time. Remember the “choir” in church she started? I could probably remember some of the motions to “What Child Is This?” if I tried hard enough! She was never one to shrink away from a challenge! Truly, those years growing up with us running up and down the hill to play, visit, eat, etc. will always, always be the warmest memories. How fortunate we are to have known Shirley! We are wishing you many smiles as you celebrate her life and may you feel the love we are sending your way.
Pam Martin says
Thoughts and prayers from the Upson and Martin family to all of you. Shirley left a wonderful legacy with her extended family, and especially with Barb, who is one of the treasures in my life.