Shirley Warehime, a cherished member of the Helena community, passed away on July 12, 2025, at 86. Born July 14, 1938, in Great Falls, Montana, Shirley spent her early childhood on the family farm, attended school in Sand Coulee for the first four years and then attended Belt, where she graduated in 1957. She went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from the University of Montana in Missoula.
After moving to Helena, Shirley joined Galusha, Higgins, and Galusha as a certified public accountant, becoming a valued partner and board member until her retirement. She was actively involved in leadership positions and served on several boards including the Montana Society of Certified Public Accountants, Montana Board of Public Accountants, National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, American Society of Women Accountants, Women’s Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and more. Her dedication to her profession and the growth of those around her was undeniable.
A proud member of the Montana Republican Party, Shirley could often be seen at the Helena Capitol, contributing her time and talents. She served as Treasurer of the Montana Republican Party for 20+ years and was a Republican National Convention delegate. Her leadership extended to the Lewis and Clark Republican Women and the Last Chance Pachyderm Club, among other organizations. She was relentlessly focused on making a difference in her community and stayed well-informed on local and national political issues.
Shirley’s passion for her community extended beyond politics- supporting organizations such as West Mont, leading the Pilot Club, and joining the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce and its various committees. Shirley’s love for public speaking drew her to the Helena Toastmistress Club in 1963 and the International Toastmistress Clubs. She embraced numerous high-level leadership roles in these organizations, demonstrating her gift with words while traveling around the world.
As a treasured member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Helena, Shirley touched countless lives. She shared her deep faith with friends- serving as treasurer, leading various church projects and guiding Bible study, finding a sense of purpose and fulfillment through her service. Shirley cherished her friendships there, leaving a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and faith.
Shirley is survived by her beloved family: her brother, James Warehime, and his wife Gloria, her niece Nancy Warehime and her husband Bryan Poss, her nephew Scott Warehime and his wife, Stephanie, and three great-nephews, Flint, Ty and Blaze. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Clara Warehime.
You are invited to celebrate Shirley’s life and honor her legacy on August 7, 2025, at 10:30 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Helena, followed by a reception in the church’s social center. Shirley will be laid to rest at 2:00 p.m. at Highland Cemetery in Great Falls, Montana. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, a place close to Shirley’s heart, where her kindness and generosity will continue to touch lives.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:30 a.m.
Thursday August 7, 2025
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediatley following her Celebration of Life
Thursday August 7, 2025
Social Center of the Church
,
Interment
2:00 p.m.
Thursday August 7, 2025
Highland Cemetery
2010 33rd Avenue South
Great Falls, Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:30 a.m.
Thursday August 7, 2025
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediatley following her Celebration of Life
Thursday August 7, 2025
Social Center of the Church
,
Interment
2:00 p.m.
Thursday August 7, 2025
Highland Cemetery
2010 33rd Avenue South
Great Falls, Montana
Share
Tom/Judy Rolfe says
What a tremendous loss! We are so sorry to learn of Shirley’s passing. Shirley was a lovely Christian woman of great strength and character. We always so enjoyed her company and her great wit and sense of humor.
Tamara Hintz says
So sorry for your loss. I will miss sitting with her and talking and laughing with her at the Wednesday night dinners at church.
Donna Elford says
Shirley was on the board of LCRW for over 15 years and part of our club for over 35 years.
Her skills as parlitarian were known across Montana. She’s a wonderful wonderful woman I cherished her wisdom with and laugh. She stayed on top of political issues local and Nationally.
Love you much Ms Shirley see you on the other side.
Claudia L Davis says
Shirley was an inspiration to me. Ours travels together to United Methodist Women meetings and events are some of my fondest memories. Although we didn’t always agree, we did respect each other’s opinions. I’ll miss her terribly.
Kathie R says
I just found out that Shirley has passed. Shirley was a strong-willed, tough loving, character-filled, and spiritual woman. I am blessed to have known her and spend time with her. So many will miss her in the many facets of her life. Love and peace to all those who will miss her early presence.
David Orendorff says
Shirley was a trusted partner and friend in the ministry is St. Paul’s UMC while I was pastor there. I counted on her for competence and compassion. I trusted her wisdom and judgment even when we did not arrive at the same conclusion. The world is a better place because of Shirley’s life. Shalom Shirley.!