Shirley Agnes Farrow Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Devoted Christian, wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma, Shirley Agnes Farrow, died on March 29, 2019 in Butte, Montana. She was born in Butte on September 29, 1930 to Hubert and Agnes Erwin. She attended Monroe Elementary School, graduated from Butte High School in 1947, and continued her education at Butte Business College. Her career as a bookkeeper began at MF Patterson Dental Supply. Shirley met her beloved husband, Ted Farrow, in a hospital room she shared with his sister, Francie. They married on June 4, 1950, and together they raised three children, Rhonda, Rande, and Rodd. Once the children were all in school, Shirley resumed her career as a bookkeeper, working alongside Ted at Pioneer Concrete & Fuel for many years. They retired together in small steps by spending more time each year enjoying motorhome trips throughout the western United States, including a trip to Alaska. The Lutheran church played a key role in Shirley’s formative years as she and her sister, Doris, held hands to venture across Montana Street on Sunday mornings to a Lutheran church near their childhood home. Later on, she became a lifetime member of Gold Hill Lutheran Church, and devoted her life to serving the Lord and others. Besides working closely with Ted to support him in his career, she was interested in every aspect of the education and career pursuits of her children and grandchildren. Her support included volunteer work in children’s ministries at Gold Hill, PTA, Scouts, and 4-H. Shirley was also devoted to nurturing extended family relationships with her frequent phone calls and hand-written letters and cards. In addition, Shirley maintained close relationships with high school friends who became her lifelong “Forever Friends” (Laverne Henrich, Dorothy Kohler, Dorothy McKinnon, Olive Pierce, and Lorraine Pengelly). Shirley used her creativity and sewing skills to serve others as well. She was involved in sewing projects at church, shared her sewing expertise with 4-H girls, and even made matching shirts for her family of five to better keep track of everyone on a Disneyland vacation. An avid reader her entire life, Shirley had a lifelong love of learning. Delving into the Scriptures during Women’s Bible studies at Gold Hill Lutheran Church played a key role in her spiritual learning. She never let go of her childhood desire to learn to play the piano, and she fulfilled that dream after her children were raised. She was quick to become computer savvy, as she computerized Pioneer’s bookkeeping system and learned to word process business letters and letters to family and friends. Blessed with an adventurous spirit, Shirley was always eager to engage in a wide variety of activities whenever family or friends were involved. Throughout the years, she enjoyed outdoor adventures such as camping, boating, water skiing, swimming, bicycling, motorcycling, snowmobiling, and snow skiing. Playing cards was a favorite indoor activity. She often won family pinochle games, and developed into a highly competitive member of the Jolley Bridge Club. Later in life, she started playing panguingue as well. Shirley is survived by her children, Rhonda Elaine Jacobson, Rande Theodore (JoAnn) Farrow, and Rodd James (Diana) Farrow; grandchildren, Jimmy Ted (Beverly) Jacobson, Joel Eric (Sarah) Jacobson, Scott Aaron (Krystina) Farrow, Sarah Elizabeth (Matthew) St. Germaine, Rochelle Lynn Garrison, and Joseph Theodore (Jennifer) Farrow; great grandchildren, Charis, Tobin, Arden, Kenna, Lucan, Zaden, Seanin, Rhema, and Verity Jacobson, Anders and Cade Jacobson, Makenna and Allison St. Germaine, Bridger and Aspen Garrison, and Addylynn and Clayton Farrow; sister, Doris May Sevores; and sisters-in-law, Charlotte Erwin, Frances (Robert) Whissiel, Loretta (Ralph) Chamley, and Norma Erwin; and numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert Noel and Agnes Evelyn Erwin; husband, Theodore James Farrow; sisters, Laura Marie Erwin and Janet Elaine Erwin; brothers, Mannie Alfred Erwin, Hubert Noel Erwin Jr., and John Lee Erwin; brother-in law, Al Copell; son-in law, Jimmy Jacobson; and two nephews. Although many will miss Shirley’s presence in their lives, she spent a lifetime making beautiful memories to be treasured by those whose lives she touched. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, April 9th at 11 o’clock in Gold Hill Lutheran Church. Her family will receive friends beginning at 10 o’clock that morning in the church. Memorials may be made to Gold Hill Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.

Tributes

Shirley Agnes Farrow

September 29, 1930 - March 29, 2019