Shirley Marie Johnson

Shirley Marie Johnson, age 85, of Billings, formerly of Minot, North Dakota, passed away on Aug. 25, 2024, with family by her side, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Shirley was born on Jan. 28, 1939, in Sherwood, North Dakota, the daughter of Estelle and George Southam. She was delivered at home by her dad because they could not make it to the hospital due to a snow storm. Their home was a small farm just outside Sherwood, where she would grow up with nine siblings.

Shirley graduated high school at the age of 16. Soon after high school, she moved to Bottineau, North Dakota, where she attended nursing school, going on to become a Registered Nurse. Her career as a nurse would lead her to the Indian Reservation in Belcourt, North Dakota, out to Oregon, where she lived with her aunt, and eventually to Minot. She took some of the most challenging assignments, working several years at the Americana Nursing Home, finishing her time at St. Joseph’s Hospital, employed in the Psychiatric Ward, and Chemical Dependency Unit. She worked tirelessly, often taking on double shifts, nights and weekends, helping to support her family. Shirley did all of this while taking care of her children, never sacrificing her dedication to them.

While Shirley’s commitment as a nurse was beyond compare, her commitment to her husband, children, and extended family and friends was extraordinary. Shirley was married to Richard Johnson for 59 years. They had two children: Chris and Chuck. Shirley spent several of her later years caring for her husband Richard as he battled dementia; she was by his side every single day, until his passing.

Shirley loved to paint, sculpt, the outdoors and nature, as well as spend time with all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she adored. She was so proud of each one, spoke of them often, and never missed a birthday. Her love for her children was shown every day, in every way imaginable.

Shirley’s faith in God was strong and deep, spending countless hours praying for those in need, saying her rosary, reading the bible, and attending St. Bernard’s Church every Sunday. She touched so many lives in a positive way, and will be greatly missed by all. Even while in the last few days of her life at the hospital, she was still concerned for others, requesting to share her flowers with other patients. She has instilled all her ways into her children, which will continue on with the example she has set. The world lost a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, as heaven gains a new angel.

Special thank you to the amazing doctors, nurses and entire care team at St. Vincent Hospital, who took such wonderful care of Shirley. We are truly indebted to you all for the love and kindness you showed to Shirley and our entire family.

Shirley was preceded in in death by her husband, Richard; mom and dad, George and Estelle; brother Ed; beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews.

She will be forever remembered by her son, Chuck; daughter Chris (Kevin); grandchildren Logan (Maric), Dustin (Hailey), Dylan (Raina); great-grandchildren Walker, Willow, Finnegan, Camille, Ada, River, Rowan, Jace, Carmi; sisters Jean, Ellie, Ladonna, Marian (Vance); brothers Don (Kay), Tom (Sherry), Kenny (LaMay), Glen (Carol); many nieces and nephews; as well as friends who were like her family.

Memorial mass will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, at St. Bernard’s Parish. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.