Shirley Ann Minette

A Celebration of Life for Shirley Ann Minette, 93, of Aberdeen, SD, will take place at 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 1, 2025 with visitation one hour prior to service, at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Chapel, 1111 South Main Street, with Pastor Jon Damaska officiating. Fellowship meal following the service in the reception building. Burial will be at Schafer Cemetery in Watford City, ND at a later date. Shirley peacefully passed into eternity to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus, at home on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Her husband Duane was waiting in heaven to meet her with a smile.
Shirley was born on February 16, 1932, in Watford City ND, to Perrin E. and Alice I. (Frazee) Thompson. She married Duane Joseph Minette August 5, 1950. For 51-years they journeyed over mountains and through valleys-experiencing joys, pains, struggles, and celebrations. They modeled for all, what commitment through anything means. They raised five daughters and a son while working extremely hard to establish Minette's Live Bait business in Watford City starting in 1958. Shirley and Duane were Lay Witness Mission team members and part of various ministries in the Wesleyan Church. Upon her husband's passing in 2002, Shirley moved to Aberdeen, SD to be closer to family.
Shirley was a wonderful cook, baker, and gardener. Family history was of particular interest to her as well as working on Thompson and Minette Family Trees. She enjoyed knitting, embroidery, and sewing. Throughout her last years in Watford City and all her years in Aberdeen she made quilts-big ones, medium ones, and especially baby quilts mostly for family. Shirley also made baby quilts for any future great or great-great grandchildren. Shirley was a loving mother and grandmother, and her family will greatly miss her.
Grateful for having shared Shirley's life are her children: DeRoma Minette-Scott, Debra (George) Isaacson, Craig (Linda) Minette, Sabrina (William) Johnson, Jody (Randy) Pudwill, and Paula (Thomas) Brulport. Shirley cherished her 19 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and her first great-great- grandchild.
Shirley's surviving siblings are a sister; Nyla Branstner, brothers; Kennard (Rachel) Thompson, and LeRoy Thompson. A brother in-law; Bruce (Audra) Minette and a sister in-law; Rita Mautz.
She was preceded in death by her husband; Duane Minette, parents; Perrin and Alice, brother; Maurice Thompson, brother-in-law's; Richard Branstner, Harold Mautz, Keith Minette, son-in-law; Gary Scott, and great-grandson; Isaiah Lee Pudwill.