- Date Of Birth: August 27, 1938
- Date Of Death: November 24, 2014
- State: Montana
Shirley Ann Hilbig, 76, of Great Falls, MT passed away November 24th, 2014.
Shirley was born August 27, 1938 to Edmund and Pearl (Wilcox) Carter in Great Falls. She was raised on the west side of Great Falls and as a young girl always wanted to be a professional ice skater or guitar player. On April 27, 1955 she married the love of her life, Donald Hilbig. Together they blessed this world with 6 children and a loving bond that words could not express.
Shirley centered her life around her family and family values. She believed that a strong family bond was essential. She taught us all to love one another, give as much as you can to those in need, and to be kind to one another. She would give her last dollar to a stranger if she felt that they needed it more than she. She was a woman of strength and compassion. She taught her family to stand up for themselves, never venture too far from the “love” of your family, and to admit it when you are wrong.
She was a humorous lady with a great personality. If you ask her where she got it she would credit her father for the comic gene she inherited. She was fun loving and never ceased to surprise you with some of the things she would say.
Shirley and Deanna (her daughter) also ran a daycare together for 8 years. They raised children and loved them like they were family. The joy that these little ones brought to her was immeasurable.
Shirley enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren and always said that they were her everything, her life if you will. She was blessed to have 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
We are all blessed to have had such a caring woman in our lives. We are better people, because of the values, lessons, and love that she has given us. Anyone that knew her knew what an amazing person she was. We thank God everyday for a woman like Shirley and will always remember her in our hearts.
Shirley is survived by her children Deanna Hilbig, Bruce (Patty) Hilbig, Randy Hilbig and Bryan Hilbig. Siblings, Edmund (Annie) Carter, Patti Jo (Dean) Whitten, and Glenn Wilcox. Grandchildren, Josh (Charlie) Hilbig, Jessica (Pat) Douglas, Justus (Lori) Hilbig, Tonya (Zach) Shumaker, Jesse (Miranda) Hilbig, Aaron Hilbig, and Kristi Keegan as well as 12 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Edmund Carter, mother Pearl Wilcox, step-father Milton Wilcox, love of her life, Donald Hilbig, children, Angela Hilbig and Clinton Hilbig, and siblings, Betty Lou Carter and Donna Pettit.
