The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980

Obituary : Shirley Getten

Shirley "Shirl" Ann Getten earned her wings on June 16, 2024, after a brief illness at Billings Clinic, surrounded by her children.

A current resident of Great Falls, Mont., Shirley was born Oct. 9, 1946, at home in Blaine County, Montana, to Fred Emil Hockhalter & Clara Agnes Turney Hockhalter. She was the fourth of ten children. Raised on their family farm, Shirley had many great memories and adventures with her siblings. She graduated from Harlem High School in 1964.

Shirley had many careers throughout her life, including working in the Chinook County Court House, bee keeping and finally as a barber in Lincoln and Great Falls, Mont.. Her customers soon became friends. Shirl enjoyed road trips to the mountains, "shopping" with her children, gold panning, fishing and many outdoor activities. She enjoyed hanging with her friends.

Shirl will be forever remembered for her smile and sense of humor. Her grandsons will remember her as someone who is quick to bring a smile to anybody through a goofy joke or story, and as a crossword puzzle master who was always down for an adventure.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers William Max Day and Allen Neal Hockhalter and grandson, Theodore "TJ" Healy. She is survived by her three children, Robert "Bob" William Green, Jr (Michelle); Marlo Healy Mooney (Dean); and Crystal Getten Hout. Grandchildren Kyle Hayes, Becky Ayre, Sam and Jake Hout; and great granddaughter, Millie Dassinger. Siblings Rose Good, Richard (Mary) Hockhalter; Carl (Sandi) Hockhalter; Lewis (Lou) Hockhalter; Linda (Bruce) Lanza; Fred Hockhalter; Gerald (Jennifer) Hockhalter and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

Although one of Shirley's favorite song was "Prop Me Up Beside the Juke Box When I Die", cremation has taken place. The family will be celebrating her life both on Saturday, July 20 at 1 p.m. at Lucky Last Jump in Ulm, Mont. as well as Sunday, July 21 at 2 p.m. at Lincoln Baptist Church in Lincoln, Mont.

Memorials can be sent to SamsHopeFoundationMontana.com (in Lincoln, Mont.); Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675; St. Jude's Children's Hospital 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, Tenn. 38105; or the charity of your choice.

 

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