Shirley Ann Furr

Shirley Ann (Fujimoto) Furr passed away peacefully on Friday evening, April 11, 2025, at her home, with family at her side. She was born on July 17, 1958, in Cut Bank, Montana — the daughter of George and Kathryn Fujimoto. Shirley grew up in Shelby and graduated from Shelby High School in 1976. During her high school years, she proudly played the role of "Snoopy" in a school play — a performance that sparked her lifelong love for The Peanuts cartoon.

After graduation, she attended Carroll College, before returning to Shelby, where she and her father proudly opened and operated Fuji Lanes until 2009. During this time, she also served the Shelby community as a paraprofessional at the elementary school, and later as Director of the Shelby Senior Center until her retirement in 2023.

Shirley was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as secretary for many years. This role not only allowed her to contribute to the church community that she cherished, but also deepened her already strong relationship with the Lord. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, and she found great comfort in her church family — always offering support and prayer to those around her.

On July 13, 1991, Shirley married Mark Furr of Shelby. Together, they raised their children — Brandon and Markie, as well as daughters Ashley and Mallory. Shirley’s life was centered around her family, and she took immense joy in supporting her children through their many extracurricular activities and life milestones.

One of the greatest joys of her life was becoming a grandmother — first to Brylie, and later to Hudson. She embraced her role as "Grandma" with boundless love, joy, and pride. Shirley cherished every moment spent with them, from everyday routines to quiet, special times together. Her love for her grandchildren was deep and unwavering, and the memories they shared will be treasured always. She had a special place in her heart for her beloved fur-grandchildren, always making sure they were well loved — and thoroughly spoiled.

Shirley also cherished the many lasting friendships she built and nurtured throughout her life. Her family is particularly grateful for her close friend Leah, who was always willing to offer a listening ear and a helping hand. Shirley was known for always having a pocketful of mints and was more than happy to share with anyone who might need one — a simple but perfect example of her constant thoughtfulness.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mark; her parents, George and Kathryn; and her mother-in-law, Ramona Irvin.

Shirley is survived by her son Brandon (Bailey) Furr of Cut Bank and grandchildren Brylie and Hudson; daughter Markie (Anthony) Meeks of Shelby; daughter Ashley (Dan) Kolve of Liberty Lake, Washington, and their children Annika, Alivia, and Addyson; and daughter Mallory (Josh) Riphenburg of Shelby and their children Morgan and Collin. She is also survived by her father-in-law Dwayne (Jan) Irvin of Shelby, along with several beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends whom she cared for deeply. Shirley was an extra mom to several of her children’s friends and regularly checked in on them well into their adult lives.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church - Shelby, with refreshments to follow.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church - Shelby.