December 22, 1949 – June 11, 2024
MISSOULA – Shirley Heaphy passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in Missoula, MT.
Shirley Schmieding was born to Elizabeth and George (Spoons). She was born in Virginia City and raised in Anaconda, MT. She was one of six children in the Schmieding family. Their family home on Chestnut Street was full of love, laughter, and always teaching the value of hard work. She attended Lincoln Grade School, Anaconda High, and graduated from Beaverhead County High School. Shirley married Larry Heaphy in 1968. Together, they had two beautiful children, Sarah and Ike. Shirley loved being a mom and attending Sarah and Ike’s numerous sporting events and activities.
Shirley worked for Anaconda Service and Montana Muffler in her early years in Anaconda. Her last career was as a Contract Administrator for ARCO/BP. Shirley met many “friends for life” there and she thoroughly enjoyed her time with the company and the valuable friendships that followed her into retirement. “Nana”
Shirley had a deep love for her family. Her greatest gifts in life were undoubtedly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved sewing pillowcases for the girl’s basketball teams and making quilts and sewing gifts for her grandchildren. Shirley had a passion for reading, sewing, and spending time with her sisters. Retirement allowed her to spend many hours in her flower beds and keeping a close eye on her Kansas City Chiefs.
She will be greatly missed by her family and loving husband Larry of 56 years. Shirley is survived by her husband, Larry Heaphy of Missoula; her daughter, Sarah (Scott) Armstrong of Albuquerque, NM, her son, Ike (Carrie) Heaphy of Missoula, MT; grandchildren: Kelcee (Jeron), Ryan, Luke, and Addy; as well as great-grandchildren: Alayah, Javon, and Ayonah. Additional survivors include sisters: Betsy (Loren) Regan and Sharon Huot; niece, Lynda Pashen; and nephews: Josh Regan, Cory Hout, and Tony Hout. Shirley also had numerous great-nieces and nephews. The Deeks and Heaphy siblings were also very dear to Shirley. Shirley was preceded in death by her mother, father, sister Judy, Baby Jean, and brother Jimmy.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association for research would be greatly appreciated.
There will be a private ceremony held for family and close friends to honor Shirley’s life.
