Shirley Ann Thompson, 92

Shirley Ann Henneberry Thompson, 92, went to the loving arms of her husband Earl Lindy Thompson on April 20, 2024. She passed peacefully with family by her side. Shirley was born in Dillon on July 11 1931. As a descendant of pioneers, she lived on the Henneberry Farm also known as Henneberry Gulch, in Dillon. Her youth was spent shared between many caretakers, including her Grandma Nay, her dad, her grandpa Burwell, and other aunts and neighbors.  Shirley took on the role of a caretaker towards her own siblings. She lived with her Aunt Mammie in her high school years, during which she participated in the drill team and started working at the age of 14.  Shirley found the love of her life, Lindy, in Dillon at the Oasis, where she was a waitress. They were married by Judge Stahl on Christmas Eve of 1948, at the home of Lindy’s brother, Frosty. Their early years together were spent in the Big Hole Valley, working on the Montgomery Ranch in Wisdom.  Between 1956 to 1968, they lived in Deerlodge and Dillon. She had seven children —  Earl Perry passed 1949; Sharon, Judy, Debbie, Earl, Tim and Deanne. The family finally settled in Dillon in 1969. 

Shirley worked many jobs, from bartending, cooking, and waitressing at Skeet’s Café and Four Bs to housekeeping and caregiving. Shirley and Lindy purchased small home in Monida where they hosted family reunions in the summer and hunting camps in the fall. 

After retirement, the family moved to Columbia Falls in 1992 where Shirley enjoyed going to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. 

Shirley kept her hands busy and her heart full by creating endless crafts that she would gift to others to brighten their day.  She enjoyed passing this trait on to her grandchildren. Shirley would also tease and snicker with anyone who could fire back with a playful wit, but she was also always there with hugs when needed. She loved her 15 grandchildren and 33 (give or take a few) great-grand children with great compassion. Shirley had many friends who she held dear to her heart.

Shirley was preceded in death by her mother, Muriel Burwell; her father, Ambrose Henneberry; her three siblings, Caryl, Bill, and Rosie; her husband, Lindy Thompson; her first baby, Earl Perry; her grandson, James Whipple; son-in- law Howard Mitchell; and many other loved ones.

 She is survived by her brother Ben Henneberry of Billings; her half sisters Royleen Goulter, Mona Dixon and Patricia Gets; her children, including Sharon Mitchell, Judy and Jeff Dempsey, Debbie and Tom Parks, Earl Thompson, Tim, Thompson, Deanne and Allen Tyler; her remaining grandchildren; her great-grandchildren; and many lifelong friends.

 Shirley’s services will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. A reception will follow. If you cannot make this service, Shirley will be put to rest at a graveside service in Dillon this summer. Exact date to be announced. To send online condolences please visit Shirley’s tribute page at www.columbiamortuary.com.