Shirley Ann Wolleat
Shirley Ann Wolleat passed away at the Libby Care Center June 2, 2024.
Shirley was born Jan. 4, 1935 in Brady, Nebraska to Axel and Elizabeth Carlon. She was the youngest of six children. Her family moved to Sweet Home, Oregon in 1948 and it was there that she attended school and met George Wolleat whom she married on June 29, 1952.
Shirley was a homemaker and made her family homes in numerous places in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, California and Montana – wherever George’s work took them. They moved to Libby in June of 1968 where George was a laborer and foreman at the dam. This would be where they would make their forever home.
Shirley was a devout Catholic and served in her church in many capacities. She always made sure that whichever grandkid spent the night at their house on Saturday sat in the pew next to her on Sunday morning. She taught many of them how to say the rosary and bought them their first rosary beads.
Shirley also loved holidays and fretting over what to cook and eat – a trait she has passed down to most of her grandchildren. July 4 was always a big celebration at the Wolleat house. She loved sewing, her yard and her roses. Shirley brought holly and rhododendrons with her from the coast to plant at her home. She loved clothes and her closets were full. No doubt Alfred Dunner will miss her!
Shirley is survived by her children, Theresa (Stan) Alkire of Livingston, Montana, Raleigh (Linda) Wolleat, Federal Way, Washington, Steve (Cheryl) Wolleat, Libby, Montana, and Michael Wolleat, Libby, Montana; grandchildren, Josh Alkire, George Alkire, Shannon Wolleat, Mary Edwards, Byron Wolleat, Kyleen Blank, Richard Wolleat and Joseph Wolleat; numerous great-grandchildren and one great granddaughter; sister-in-law, Peggy Carlson, Trout Creek, Montana; nieces and nephews; a dear friend Patsy Hooper whom Shirley has known for as long as any of us can remember.
A viewing was held at the Schnackenberg Funeral Home on June 6. A rosary will be held at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 7. Services will follow at 11 a.m. with interment at the Libby Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to the love of her life, George.
A luncheon will be held in her honor at the St. Joseph Parrish Hall after the interment.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Libby Care Center for the loving care they have provided to Shirley.
Arrangements are under the care of the Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.