Shirley Blunt

MALTA- Shirley Blunt, 95, passed away July 3, 2019, in Malta, Mont., 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 p.m. at The Little White Church, Malta.

Condolences for the family may be left at http://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, Mont., 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 Hi-Line Retirement Center for the past three years.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Clarence Blunt, five children, Margaret Ore of East Helena, Mont., Kenneth (Karen) Blunt of Malta, Judy Blunt of Missoula, Mont., Gary Blunt of Apache Junction, Ariz., and Gail (Jerry) Sadler of Winslow, Ariz., 18 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.