Shirley M. O’Brien Henderson, 78

Shirley M. O’Brien Henderson, aka Squirrel and Keeka, was born in Longview, Wash., on May 14, 1942. She passed away April 12, 2021 in Missoula. Shirley planned her own funeral because, as she put it, by the time her earthly body was buried, her soul or essence would be surrounded by every king of flower imaginable. Shirley wanted to be laid to rest in the Willow Creek Cemetery in Browning, Mont., next to her son, Bobby, and the love of her life, her husband Will.

Shirley said her life was like a roller coaster, and if she had to do it over again, she can’t think of anything she would do differently. She had various jobs, but in the long run being a teacher was the most rewarding. She said “Thanks to my many friends and family and all the love and the memories they gave me.”

She was preceded in death by her husband, Will; her son, Bobby; her mother, Mabel; her father, Louie; her brothers, Jim and Richard O’Brien; her sister, Nellie Davis; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Pauline and Bud Henderson, along with some precious nephews and nieces.

She is survived by her three other loves of her life, Barbara A. Henderson, Bonnie S. Henderson Hofland (Russ) and Betty K. Henderson Matthews (Tim), and Chuck Henderson, who was like a son. She said many times they gave her the most precious grandchildren: Rachelle Cobell; Seth and Nate Hofland; Chance, Brandon and Ty Matthews. Plus her great-grandchildren: Mariana, Rilynn and Elena Matthews; Mirah and Robert John Matthews; Gabe Cobell Diate; Chuck Henderson’s children/grandchildren; her sisters Delma Killinger and Cindy O’Brien; her sisters-in-law Hazel Downs and Marilyn Pitchford; and her many nieces and nephews.

According to Shirley's wishes, there will be no services. A graveside farewell will be held at 2 pm April 14th, 2021 at the Willow Creek Cemetery in Browning.