Shirley Paxson died Friday, March 4, 2011, at her home.   Shirley was born Feb. 3, 1926, in Butte to James and Huldah (Mordan) House.   She was fortunate to be able to grow up at her home at the Columbia Gardens.   She attended the Harrison School and graduated from Butte High School with the class of 1944.   She went to nursing school in Helena.

      Shirley worked selling tickets at the Columbia Gardens while she was in high school. She also worked at Iris’s Ice Cream Store, The First National Bank and Miner’s Bank.   Shirley kept books and worked for her husband Ray at their gas station, Davies and Paxson.   She also sold Avon.

      Shirley married James Kellett on Sept. 14, 1947.   After he died, she married Ray Paxson on Jan. 12, 1961, and he preceded her in death on July 3, 1987.

      Shirley enjoyed bowling, crocheting and reading.   She liked to share her memories of Butte and growing up at the Gardens.   She loved her home and her beloved pets, especially her dog, Shiloh.

      Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, James and Huldah House and her husbands, James Kellett and Ray Paxson.

      Shirley’s remains are in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home where funeral services will be conducted Tuesday morning (Mar. 08, 2011) at 11 o’clock with the Rev. Dee Anna officiating.   Interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery.   Memorials may be made to the animal shelter or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

      Published in The Montana Standard on Mar. 06, 2011.