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Shirley Molenda Obituary
HAMILTON - Shirley Molenda, 77, of Hamilton, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008, surrounded by her family at her home.
She was born to Jim and Mary Humphrey, a longtime Gallatin Valley family, on April 12, 1931, in Bozeman. She spent a short time in Orange County, Calif., and returned to Montana and graduated from Whitehall High School. Soon after graduation, she married Pete Molenda. They began their marriage that lasted nearly 60 years with two nickels. That summer they lived in a lookout on Richard's Peak in northwest Montana. They lived all over the state, starting in Missoula, then to Butte, Superior, Baker, Billings, Whitehall and retiring in Hamilton. From one end of the state to the other, she had a very large extended family and a "load" of very dear friends. She was the best mom ever. She made many personal sacrifices for her husband and children. Her supportive nature was sought out by many. Shirley loved playing tennis as a young girl. She was a cheerleader and twirler in high school. She loved to play cards, dance, knit, sew and work with plants.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Pete Molenda, Hamilton; five daughters, Marlene (Barry Naylor), Missoula, Marcia Mattson, Lolo, Marianna Molenda (Shirley Chase), Missoula, Mona (Rory McCarty), Hamilton, Mori (Tom Woods) Butte; one son, Peter Molenda (Michele), Burien, Wash.; nine grandchildren, Emily Hargis, Laura Naylor, Devon Downing, Benjamin Woods, Peter Woods, Molenda McCarty, Allen McCarty, Larry Molenda, Henry Molenda and three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews; two sisters, Jackie Pratt, Linden, Wash., Donna Loeb, Elizabethtown, Ky.
A daughter, Michelle Molenda and her parents Jim and Mary Humphrey precede Shirley in death.
At Shirley's request, there will be no formal service. Arrangements are under the care of the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton.
The family suggests memorials to St. Francis Catholic Church, 411 S. Fifth St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or The National Children's Leukemia Foundation, 7316 Avenue U., Brooklyn, NY 11234.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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