Shirley Tonkin

Longtime Great Falls resident, Shirley Tonkin, aged 87, passed away on April 19, 2025, at Hospice House in Kennewick, WA, in the loving presence of her daughter, Kristi. Her passing was peaceful and blessedly pain-free.

Shirley moved to Kennewick in August 2024 to be near Kristi and her family due to declining health. In her 8 months in Kennewick, Shirley made many wonderful new friends, but she was eternally grateful for her Great Falls neighbors, friends, niece, Farkle group, and church family whose kindness and support helped her live independently for so long.

Shirley was born in Great Falls on January 17, 1938, to Edna (nee Heiman) and Walter Raunig. She attended Whittier and Paris Gibson, and she graduated from Great Falls High School in 1956. While in high school, Shirley was a member of National Honor Society, participated in bowling and twirling, and served as the school newspaper editor.

In addition to school activities, Shirley was active in Job’s Daughters and played guitar in an accordion band that also included her younger sister, Carol. On weekends, she worked at her parents’ business, Wardrobe Cleaners. Her spare time was spent avidly reading books.

Following high school, Shirley attended Montana State College (now MSU). She joined the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and graduated in 1960 with a BS in Microbiology. Shirley enjoyed college and was a lifelong believer in the power of education of all types.

While in college, Shirley met her future husband, Glenn Tonkin of Butte. It was a quick match, and they were engaged just 2 months after meeting, marrying in 1961. They remained in Bozeman until 1962 when Glenn finished his degree. Their first daughter, Janice, was born there.

Following Glenn’s graduation, they moved to Helena, where Glenn worked for the MT Highway Department. Daughter, Kristi, was born in Helena in 1964. Later that year, Shirley and Glenn moved to Great Falls, where they were blessed to have Shirley’s parents available for loving babysitting. Shirley and Glenn enjoyed their membership at the Elks Lodge and enjoyed dancing, bowling, casino nights, and spending time with friends.

Shirley worked as a medical technologist at the Great Falls Clinic for 17 years while raising their daughters. She enjoyed her work at the lab, interacting with patients, and making enduring friendships with coworkers. An active and involved mom, Shirley helped with PTA events, Girl Scouts, 4H projects, Job’s Daughters, church activities, and supported many sports and music endeavors.

In 1984, Shirley and Glenn moved back to Helena for Glenn’s job, and Shirley worked in the lab at the State Health Department. Sadly, they were dealt a horrible blow in 1987, when Janice passed away from complications from Type 1 Diabetes at age 25.

Glenn retired from the State in 1990, and the couple returned home to Great Falls. Glenn’s health had been in long decline, and he passed in October of 1990. After his death, Shirley worked for a local urgent care clinic and was a devoted caregiver to her mother.

In 1991, Shirley met Ron Stoner, a retired dentist, at a church potluck. They spent 12 years together, traveling all over the world and enjoying concerts, bookstores, and restaurants. They were together until his passing in 2003.

In 2003, Shirley was diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis, a rare muscle-wasting disease that progressively limited her mobility and activity. Shirley’s hard work and exercise (and stubbornness!) allowed her to live independently long past her prognosis to do so. She was grateful for the supportive doctors, trainers, and therapists who helped her maximize her capabilities.

Even after her diagnosis, Shirley continued to support her three grandchildren in Pasco with visits for their birthdays, Christmas holidays, music recitals, graduations, sports/drama events, and other fun occasions. Family was always an important part of Shirley’s life, and she served her family with love, patience, kindness, and generosity.

Faith was also an important part of Shirley’s life, and for 70-ish years she attended Methodist churches in Great Falls and Helena, until her health prevented attendance in person. She taught Sunday school when her children were young, helped with church office tasks, knitted prayer shawls, and hosted a Faith and Film group at her home for many years. Shirley was chosen by her church as Grandmother of the Year in 2008.

Shirley was a lifelong reader and enjoyed volunteering with AAUW (American Association of University Women), helping with their annual fundraising book sale to support scholarships for women. Throughout her life, Shirley read countless books and loved participating in book clubs and bridge clubs.

Over the years, Shirley was active in the Great Falls community, taking cooking classes, participating in Extension Club, helping with community events, walking on the Rivers Edge Trail, and entering handwork and baked goods in the State Fair every year. She loved to support local museums, music, and restaurants.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Glenn; and her daughter Janice. She is survived by her sister, Carol Beddes (Don Moe) of Great Falls; daughter, Kristi (Mike) Thien of Pasco, WA; grandchildren, David and Katie, both of Seattle, and Daniel of Corvallis, OR; nieces, Andrea (Mark) Meyer of Great Falls, and Hallie Beddes (John Tiberi) of Carmel, IN; great-nephews/nieces, Jared (Erin) Meyer, Marissa Meyer, Taylor Mowid, and Natalie Mowid. She is also survived by her former brother-in-law, Larry Beddes; and her “extra daughter” Yvette (Jeff) Jordan; as well as many cousins and special friends.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on June 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Great Falls First United Methodist Church, 610 2nd Ave N. Shirley was a proud Montanan, and guests are encouraged to wear Montana clothing. The family will host a lunch at the church immediately following the service. Cremation has taken place, and Shirley’s ashes will be interred privately at Highland Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest near Glenn and Janice.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to American Diabetes Association, AAUW, or Great Falls First United Methodist Church.