Alice Thompson Collier

Alice “Shirley” Thompson Collier (nee) Bowen joined her family and loved ones in heaven Nov. 21, 2021 at Logan Health in Kalispell. Shirley was born Dec. 30, 1936, in Libby to “Woody” and “Toots” Bowen.

During high school Shirley worked at the Blue Bear Café making sodas and shakes. Shirley was a blue-eyed, curly haired sprite who made a perfect tumbler and even competed at a state level as a twirler. Shirley married Dick Thompson and they had five children. A 1966 logging accident left Shirley a young widow. She met a man, Mike Collier, who was brave enough to take on a wife and five young children. A few years later her family grew again with the birth of her sixth and final baby.

For most of her life Shirley happily worked as a stay-at-home mom, though she had her stints working part time for Hafferman’s Liquor Store and The Tog Shop, and served as a school volunteer. Shirley was instrumental in starting a hot lunch program at McGrade Elementary School.

In later years, Shirley worked at the Libby Community Thrift Store and helped with community blood drives. Shirley’s main life focus was her family, home and garden. A meticulous homemaker, excellent gardener and extraordinary cook, nothing made Shirley happier than a house full of family to cook for. Shirley was an amazing wife, and the most loving and supportive mom that any child could ask for.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Woody and Toots Bowen; son, Pat Thompson; son, Richard Thompson; infant daughter, Shirley Lynn Thompson; sister, Donna Christensen; and infant great-grandson, Riley Isbell.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 52 years, Mike Collier of Libby; daughter, Cindy (Pat) Isbell of Cheney, Wash.; son, Tim (Dusti) Thompson of Libby; son, Jim (Lisa) Thompson of Eureka; son, Michael (Tina) Collier of Kalispell; brother, Gary Bowen of Libby; sister, Nancy Bowen; 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

Whether you called her Shirley, Mom, Gram, Baby Gram or Crazy Gram, she represented love to all of us. Please join us in a celebration of her beautiful heart and soul at 1 p.m., Dec. 12 at The Hidden Chapel, 1207 Utah Ave.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.