On August 23, at age 84, Shirley Tucker closed her eyes on this world to open them before her Lord, Jesus. Her family was at her side as she peacefully succumbed to natural causes. She was born on May 8, 1938, to Marion “Bud” and Edna Peterson Freeman, in Hawthorne, CA.
Mom was the oldest of seven children, and her siblings truly respected her, each having a special connection to Shirley as they grew up. As the family grew, they were blessed with many extended family nearby. At an early age, Shirley was the best babysitter, using her money to help at home, buy things she desired, or save for something later. Mom told stories of meeting Roy Rogers and Dale Evans and being invited to their ranch. Mom was proud that her Dad taught Roy how to yodel.
As the family grew, they were involved in the youth group at their church, making many memories throughout the years. Mom graduated from Leuzinger High School. She then obtained a job at an insurance agency, which enabled her to purchase her first car, a 1950 hard-top convertible. She had it repainted a two-tone burgundy, and the interior was reupholstered with a white leather tuck-n- roll. Mom told us many stories of ventures in her car, all including fun and crazy adventures. She said she wanted to be a race car driver.
During the summers of 1961 and 1962, Mom took her vacation and traveled to Wisdom, MT, to visit her grandma, Eliza Chandler Peterson, a Wisdom school teacher. While on vacation, she began waitressing at Fetty’s. During this time, she met the love of her life, Dan Tucker. On January 19, 1963, they were married in a double wedding with her sister, Bonnie and Harold Smith. They worked hard through the years raising four daughters in Wisdom. Her life was filled with serving hearty meals to all who entered her kitchen, and anyone visiting could always count on a good cup of coffee or tea, coupled with great conversations and many laughs. Over the years, our family spent countless hours fishing for dinner, cookouts, going for drives in the mountains, snowmobiling, and attending church. Mom had a special gift for drawing others to God. She was the prayer warrior for the Valley, sharing her love for Jesus with all her family and friends.
Shirley was an active member of the Wisdom Women’s Club, the Wisdom PTA, and a 4-H leader. She found great joy in serving others in many ways. For many years Mom hosted Bible studies at our home. After raising the girls, Mom began cleaning the school and the forest service office and helping her good friend, Karen Stevenson, in her janitorial endeavors. Shirley enjoyed dancing, tole and ceramic painting, and cross-country skiing. Her joyful spirit spread to every activity and occasion. More than once while out cross-country skiing, she’d take a tumble then laugh so hard she couldn’t get up. The situation would cause all that was part of the ski trip to be incapacitated by the laughter. She put on many tea parties and movie nights/slumber parties. Popcorn and root beer floats were her favorite treats to serve during countless slumber parties.
She and Dan were married for 37 years. When widowed, Shirley moved to Polson and invested in a Curves fitness center. Later she sold it, moved to Proctor, MT, and kept bees. Square dancing became a significant pastime. Deer Lodge soon became home for the next 12 years, where she was closer to family and enjoyed friends at her church “seniors” group.
Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband Dan, her parents Marion “Bud” and Edna Peterson Freeman, sister Barbie, Barbara’s son, Tim Spurgin, and her brother-in-law Harold Smith. Memories of her well-lived life will be cherished by her four daughters: Leah Tucker Helle (Tom) Dillon, Cindy Tucker Johnson (Randy) Frenchtown, Marion Tucker McArthur, Dillon, and Heather Tucker Quigley (Brian) Avon. Grandchildren Jessi (Nick), Danny (Lukrisha), MaRysa, Jennifer (Cody), Cheyenne, Levi, Kyle, Courtney (Ty), Russ (Megan), and Tucker, 18 great-grandchildren, and countless family and friends.
Funeral services are planned for Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 11 AM, at the Assembly of God Church, at 601 5th Street in Deer Lodge. On Sunday, September 11, 2022, there will be an internment at the Wisdom Cemetery at 10 AM. In place of flowers, please contribute to Clark Canyon Bible Camp in Dillon in her name.
Services will be privately organized by the family.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Shirley.
Kathy Wise says
My dear cousins and family,
Please know that you’re all in our thoughts and prayers. Memories of Aunt Shirley are so numerous. I can hear her joyful laughter and feel her love. She was a wonderful lady.
May your memories of her help you though the days ahead.
Dean, Kathy and Jared Wise
Florence Freeman says
I cant remember exactly when I met Shirley, either at one of the Darby churches I attended or going to bible studies at her home, but I remember her friendly personaliy and welcoming nature into her and Dans home. Later she was instrumental in introducing me Ron, whom I was married to for 22ish years. So she was my sister-in-law as well as afriend and fellow sister in Christ.I will cherish my memories of her. Prayers for you family!❤🙏