It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Shirley Ann Yirsa, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the age of 90. Born Shirley Ann Frieling to John Frieling and Veronica Nagengast, she was one of ten children. She married Edward Yirsa in 1954 and moved to a farm SE of Big Sandy where she lived for more than 60 years.
She often shared the joy of winning at cards and board games with her friends and family. She had a passion for reading, especially Danielle Steel and John Grisham, and gardening, always having beautiful petunias and geraniums.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Edward Yirsa in 2001, and 9 siblings; Doloras Kelly, Lenore Steinbaucher, Eugene Frieling, Margorie Seright, George Frieling, Jim Frieling, her twin brother, Stanley "Bub" Frieling, Dorothy Stovall, and Phyllis Peterson.
Shirley is survived by two daughters; Sheila Ross (Skip Ross) and Alice Yirsa, five grandchildren; Stephanie Lillejord (Jebadiah Lillejord), Craig Ross, Nicolas Breise (Shandell Briese), Sierra Hicks (Dustin Hicks), and Dallas Briese, one great grandchild; Dezmond Ross, and many other loved ones.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Benefis Missouri River Medical Center for their kindness and dedication.
Funeral services will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in Fort Benton on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 1pm there will not be a reception to follow. Please visit Shirley's online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for her family at http://www.bentonfh.com. Memorial contributions in Shirley's honor may be made to the Chouteau County Cancer Support Group P.O. Box 213, Fort Benton, Montana 59442 or to Benefis Missouri River Medical Center P.O. Box 249, Fort Benton, Montana 59442. (Please designate where you would like your donation applied.)
