Shirley Ann Sweetser

Shirley Sweetser, age 80, of Miles City.

This is our mom, Shirley Ann (Howard) Sweetser's, story.
Shirley was born in Denver, Colorado on December 19, 1944, to Robert and Verda Howard where she joined her brother Robert, sister Marian, and later another sister Karen "Sue" to complete the family. Through Shirley's youth you could see her paling around Denver with her siblings.
At 18, Shirley met and married the love of her life, Lionel John Sweetser. Upon marrying, the two began their own family–Deborah, Joseph, Samuel, and Denise. Shirley loved being a mom, and boy, was she a great mom.
Throughout the years there were many adventures, family gatherings, and weddings. Although, life then wasn't always easy. Yet, our mom taught us what strength and kindness were. Shirley led by example, along with the lessons she taught–the examples of strength when times were tough, and kindness and understanding for the ones she would encounter. As Shirley would say, "it doesn't cost a thing to give a smile, a shoulder to cry on, or provide a comforting conversation."
Shirley was a fierce protector. She knew her children weren't perfect and loved us for our imperfections. After her children were grown and we moved on to begin our own lives and families, she took one more leap of faith with John and moved from Colorado to Miles City, Montana.
In Miles City Shirley would work as a cook at Pine Hills until her retirement in 2014. Cooking wasn't just a career for her it was a passion. Shirley loved to collect recipes for the next time her family was all together or just because she thought someone might need a meal to cheer them up. You would often find Shirley reading her cookbooks or thumbing through the ones found in the checkout line at the supermarket. She was an avid puzzle solver, from crosswords to Sudoku, and always had time for a game of whatever her children or grandchildren wanted to play.
We will miss her unconditional love and support and are grateful that we were able to call Shirley our mom.
Shirley is survived by her children Deborah (Martin) Rau, Joseph (Kristi) Sweetser, Samuel (Laurie) Sweetser, and Denise (Byron) Bosckis. Grandchildren Meagan, Danielle (Jordan), Brooks, Fallon, Devon, and Samuel. Great grandchildren Ilyana and Barney. Fur-babies Araya and Lilly, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Lionel John, sisters Marian Beardsley and Karen Sue (Jim) Brown, brother Robert Howard, sisters-in-law Shirley (John) Madonia, Shiela (Dennis)Wright, brother-in-law Lynne Sweetser, and grandson Hunter John.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at the Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Flowers are welcome or donations can be made to an animal shelter of your choosing.