Shirley Lavonne McKean, 85

Shirley Lavonne (Amdam) McKean, 85, passed away peacefully at home with family on Jan. 24, 2021. Shirley was born Oct. 31, 1935, in Blackduck, Minn., to Pete and Birdie Amdam, joining her 13-year-old sister, Phyllis.

At 6 years old, her family moved to the Flathead Valley. They eventually settled in Somers, where Shirley made lifelong friends, including her future husband, Les McKean. She graduated from Flathead High School in Kalispell, completing school a semester early, and went to work at First National Bank in Kalispell. This experience led to a long career in banking.

Les and Shirley were married in 1955 at Eidsvold Lutheran in Somers. Soon after, they moved to Anaconda and then settled in Libby for over 30 years. There, they raised three daughters.

After their girls were grown, they lived in several different places, including Ketchikan, Alaska, Angel Island, Lakeside and Columbia Falls before returning to Libby. In each community, they were involved in their local Lutheran congregation, where Shirley led Bible studies, taught Sunday school and held many leadership positions.

Shirley’s love of music inspired her involvement in several singing groups, including church choirs, the Libby “Treasure Tones” and Sweet Adelines. Very creative, she sewed and knitted coordinated outfits for her three daughters and their dolls. She made many quilts for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as sewing Scandinavian folk costumes for the royalty of the Libby Nordic Fest over the years.

Shirley's father emigrated from Norway, and the Sons of Norway Lodge in Somers and Libby were an important social group for the family. Shirley taught her family about their Norwegian heritage, baked many Norwegian goodies and learned rosemaling.

In her banking career at Lincoln Security and United National Bank of Libby, Shirley reached officer positions. She also held a variety of other jobs throughout her life, including Stanley Home Products representative, picking cones for the U.S. Forest Service, and serving as site manager with her husband, Les, at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp.

Shirley was sustained by her deep faith and the love of her husband of 65 years, Les. She enjoyed working side-by-side with Les on many landscaping, remodeling and building projects, their favorite being the family log home on Bull Lake.

Over the years they were known for hosting all sorts of potluck and picnic gatherings, which included volleyball, cards, swimming and skating. These always involved a lot of laughter and good food.

Shirley shared her love and creativity with her family and friends, making holidays and milestones incredibly special. She also enjoyed traveling with family and friends, and went on many adventures, to include: hunting, fishing, camping, square dancing, cross country skiing, sightseeing and exploring new places.

She is survived by her husband, Les McKean; her daughters, Sherry Ryan (Donald) of Tacoma, Wash., Kathy McKean of Bonney Lake, Wash., Karen Updike (Greg) of Ketchikan, Alaska; her six grandchildren, Bethany Johnson (Casey), Megan Kjelland (Juno), Lucas Updike (Lauren), Isaac Updike, Samuel Ryan (Meg) and Stephanie Parton (Alex); and great-grandchildren, Sofie, Tage and Eliana.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Phyllis Duvall.

Shirley always looked for the best in people and situations. Her family and friends were so blessed to have her in their lives.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts can be sent to Christ Lutheran Church in Libby or Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp.

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