MALTA- Shirley Blunt,
95, passed away July 3, 2019, in Malta, Montana, with her
husband of 67 years and her eldest son by her side. Cremation
has taken place. Memorial services will be Friday, July 12,
2019, 1:00 P.M. at The Little White Church, Malta, MT.
Condolences for the family may be
left at www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com
Shirley was born September 27, 1923,
to George and Pearle Aikins in Malta and grew up on their
homestead in the Lovejoy area. She attended Malta High
School, graduating as salutatorian of the class of 1940.
She graduated as a stenographer from Northern Montana College
and worked for the Texaco Refinery in Sunburst, Montana, where
she met George Wesley Ore; they married in 1943, moving to
Seattle while he awaited deployment to the European theatre.
Shirley returned to Phillips County, working on the Armington
and Wiederrick ranches until the war ended, then returned to
Sunburst, where she and Wes had a daughter, Margaret, in 1946.
They divorced in 1949 and Shirley returned to Malta.
Shirley married Clarence Blunt
October 3, 1951. Four children were born to them: Kenneth,
Judy, Gary and Gail. They lived and raised their family on
a cattle and wheat ranch in the Regina community of south
Phillips County for nearly 50 years. Shirley was active in
the local CowBelles, and served as president of the State
CowBelles, which became the Montana Cattlewomen. She and
Clarence were active in promoting the beef industry in Montana
for many years. She also served as a 4-H leader for over
20 years in Phillips County, organizing and attending numerous
local and county events. She was a rural news
correspondent for the Regina community in the Phillips County
News for more than a decade. Shirley was an expert horsewoman
and seamstress, leaving a legacy of both with her family.
Clarence and Shirley sold the ranch and moved into Malta in
2002; Shirley has been a resident of HiLine Retirement Home for
the past three years.
Shirley is survived by her husband,
Clarence Blunt, five children, Margaret Ore of East Helena, MT,
Kenneth (Karen) Blunt of Malta, Judy Blunt of Missoula, MT, Gary
Blunt of Apache Junction, AZ, and Gail (Jerry) Sadler of
Winslow, AZ, 18 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.
Guest Book
From: Donna Dyrdahl
My deepest sympathy to the Blunt family. Aunt Shirley was truly one of a kind. What a gifted and and talented lady! She will be deeply missed, but she is leaving behind many wonderful memories. A trip to Malta HAD to include a visit with Shirley and Clarence. Rest in Peace!
From: Oline Barta
Shirley was a strong force in our closest neighbor’s family and in the community. She guided us in our 4-H projects, parliamentary procedure and anything that had to do with horses. One time we even had a kid’s rodeo with her kids and our assorted steeds. Our ranch wasn’t chicken-friendly and when my birthday rolled around at the end of July, she often came down bringing a young, cut-up fryer for my special supper. Mom, Roger and I, sometimes stopped to visit when we got the mail. The coffee pot was always on and we often weren’t the only ones visiting. Her house by the side of the road had many visitors and she seemed to know everybody. Later, as a young ranch wife, I came to her kitchen and coffee pot many times. Shirley was always a welcoming, interesting, and educating presence in my life unlike anyone else.
From: Sherry & John Demarais
We are so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers.
Guest book submissions may be made using the link to the left.
