Shirley Midgette

Ms. Shirley Ann Midgette, age 86, a resident of Mena, Arkansas, peacefully passed from this life into eternity on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

She was born on August 16, 1939, in Rapid City, South Dakota, to Harold and Grace Thomas.

Shirley attended Rapid City High School and later married Billie Allen Midgette of Newport News, Virginia. Together, they raised five children and built a full and lively life in Bismarck, North Dakota. During this time, Shirley owned her own answering service and worked as a real estate agent before continuing her career as a loan officer.

Her journey later took her to Reno, Nevada, where she worked for the Sheriff's Office, and then to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where she was employed by Bealls Department Store. Shirley eventually returned to Piedmont, South Dakota, to care for her mother and later worked for Spiegel in Rapid City, South Dakota, until her retirement.

Above all, Shirley knew how to enjoy life. She loved roller skating and dance skating, winning many awards along the way. Truly the life of the party, she was known for her laughter, energy, and infectious smile. She stayed active by walking, challenged herself with crossword puzzles, enjoyed a glass of her favorite merlot, played bridge, and cherished time spent with family and friends. Shirley's warmth, humor, and vibrant spirit touched everyone who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Jamey Midgette, her sisters, Nancy Wilson and Dorothy Meline.

She is survived by her loving children, Michael Midgette of Heber Springs, Arkansas, Tracy Midgette of Kasson, Minnesota, Andrea Heim and husband Russ of Bondurant, Iowa, and Monty Midgette and wife Stephanie of Mena, Arkansas; thirteen grandchildren, Christopher Midgette, Sherry Postek, Michael Midgette, Roger Midgette, Mindy Empson, Christopher Voisine, Megan Auer, Chad Heim, Aaron Midgette, Ryan Midgette, Zachary Vann, Addyson Prewett, Jordyn Prewett, and each of their families; fifteen great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life for Ms. Shirley Midgette will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas, with Pastor Nano Faught officiating. Family will receive friends prior to the service on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home Chapel, in Mena, Arkansas. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena, Arkansas, under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Acorn High School Music Department. Checks should be made payable to Ouachita River School District with AHS Music Department noted in the memo line, and mailed to:

Acorn High School

Attention: Valerie Couch

143 Polk Road 96

Mena, Arkansas 71953