Shirley Marie Murphy

Shirley Murphy went to be with her Heavenly Father, certainly embracing her daughter, Karen Cloninger; mother, Cora Visocan; and brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Edna Spence on November 13, 2020, at the age of 91. Shirley was born on September 23, 1929, in Great Falls, MT to Hyram Spence and Cora Daniels Spence. Life was full of challenges for her and her siblings; often living in a fractured state. Shirley often related that if they weren't living with aunts and uncles, the aunts, uncles, and cousins were living with them. The family moved frequently and, of course, walked to school "uphill both ways'' in the worst weather was also good for a laugh from those of us who didn't have to live it. At one point the family home burned to the ground, yet the children were made to go to school in their pajamas. Nothing was going to prevent them from getting their education. Shirley's high school education took place in Belt, graduating in 1949. Two years later in 1950, she married Bob Murphy. Bob joined the Army and was stationed in Olympia, Washington for several years. Upon returning to Belt, Shirley and Bob opened the "Kandy Kitchen" and made their famous candy corn, caramel covered popcorn balls, and other caramel and chocolate treats. The Kandy Kitchen was the local teen hangout and many a dance and celebration took place there. Shirley and Bob divorced in 1963 with three little girls in tow. Shirley continued to live on the farm with the girls and went to work for the Yellow Cab Company; becoming the first woman cab driver in Great Falls. After many years driving cab, she obtained a job at Rec Supply on Malmstrom AFB. She was there for many years then transferred to the commissary; finishing her twenty-five year career there. During her time as a government employee, Shirley was also the mayor of Belt for fourteen years and was the owner of the Belt Café. The cafe brought her much joy, mostly due to the great "gals" that worked for her,Maida Sorkness, Jo Maberry, Shirley Mam, Terry Burgess, Judy Hurst, Alice O'Connell and others. The atmosphere there was happy and fun-filled. A favorite story of Shirley's was when she had all the husbands work their wives’ shifts. Dressing in their wives’ clothes was mandatory. The boys were very excited over the opportunity and the entire town of Belt was entertained for the day. During Shirley’s tenure as mayor, a train derailed in 1976. Several people lost their lives in this tragic event, but Belt averted a more devastating disaster by having the flow of burning petroleum diverted into Belt Creek, rather than down main street. Shirley had to work with numerous state and federal agencies for the restoration of the creek and town, and even went to Washington, DC to make a statement before the Transportation Safety Board. She fought hard to ensure a higher regard for rail system safety. Shirley is survived by daughters, Sharon (Ron) Wombold, Pamela Weiss, and Karen Haugen-longtime family friend and adopted daughter; sisters, Beverly (Bill) Medford and Delia Shumski; grandchildren, Dallas Morris, Kattie Colabianchi, Brittany Gomes, Morgan Medvec, Joseph Manhart, Tanner Cloninger, Sidny Cloninger and Matthew Cloninger; and nine great-grandchildren. The family wishes to extend a warm tribute to all the staff at the Ruby House where Shirley lived these past 2.5 years and Peace Hospice. These are amazing people who perform a difficult task of caring for our loved ones during the twilight and final days of their lives. Our hearts are with you all. Thank you so much! A celebration of Shirley's life will be postponed until the summer of 2021 due to the Covid outbreak. The family requests donations be made in her name to the Bright Focus Foundation - Alzheimer's Disease Research.