Shirley Smith Montgomery

Shirley was born in Sandwich, Illinois to Doris (Humiston) and Vernon Smith. She was the oldest of four children; in birth order: Shirley, V. Dean, Nancy, and Charles. She attended the Northside Elementary School, grades 1-8. Moving on she attended and then graduated from Sandwich High School. After high school, she graduated from a secretarial school in Aurora, Illinois and began a career of secretarial and clerical positions. While these were important to her, of more importance was providing a warm loving home for her children and husband.

Shirley met her future husband, Hearold, when she was only 13 years old! They were introduced by Hearold's sister, Vi, who was a coworker/friend of Shirley's. Shirley and Hearold dated and continued the relationship writing many letters during WWII. After the war, they married on 24 October 1946 in Shirley's parents home, and honeymooned in Salem, Illinois. Shirley and Hearold embarked upon a journey together that lasted nearly 75 years, enjoying a lifetime of adventures and love.

Shirley and Hearold have two children, Ardis and Allen. To Shirley's delight she became a grandmother when Ardis and her husband Tom had a daughter, Amber. Her joy increased when Allen and his then wife, Linda, had two boys, Austin and Grant. When Allen married Nancy, Shirley gain a step grandson, Ben, who is a delight to all. Shirley became a great grand mother when years later Amber with her husband, Tim, gave her great grandchildren, Merrik and Della Rose. All bought great joy to Shirley. She enjoyed sending them cards, playing games with them, and watching her grandchildren grow.

Family has always been a keystone of Shirley and Hearold's life together. They valued the many family picnics, reunions and trips. Their lifelong adventure expanded, when they retired and began traveling. Shirley utilized her superior organizing skills to make a true "home" on wheels. While traveling hundreds of miles in their motor home, they were able to visit family and make new friends along the way. 

Shirley had several hobbies that she enjoyed and participated in throughout her life. Her favorite hobby was collecting antique postcards from the late 1800s and early 1900s. She shared her enjoyment of her hobby by choosing the best postcard of each season/holiday and displaying them in her home. Another collection she shared were miniature pitchers. Shirley additionally collected Santa ornaments for her Christmas tree, and teddy bears of various sizes. Shirley had a talent for arranging her collections, which meant her home was always colorful and appealing to the eye. 

Shirley and Hearold lived in a variety of locations: Monmouth, Illinois; Danville, Illinois; New York Mills, New York; and Morrison, Illinois. In each place they made lasting friends. Their final move brought Shirley and Hearold to Tucson, and closer to her children, Ardis and Allen, and most of their families. Throughout all her life, and every move, and every adventure, family and friends have been her greatest joy.

Shirley will always remain a bright spot in our hearts.