Shirley Ann Manson

Shirley Ann Manson, age 81, of Anaconda, passed away on January 9, 2025.

Shirley Ann Manson was born in Anaconda on July 15, 1943, to Mario and Rena (Moreni) Ungaretti.  She was welcomed into the family by her older brother, Bob, and spent her childhood in the east end of town surrounded by an Italian contingency of family and friends including a grandmother and aunts that spoke exclusively Italian.  Shirley and her cousin, Betty Jean, bonded as sisters and maintained a cherished relationship throughout their lives.

Shirley, affectionately called “Shoo” by many, graduated as a member of the Anaconda Central Class of 1962.  In the fall of that year, Shirley had her first encounter with a handsome, young teacher that had come from Helena to teach in Anaconda.  She told him her last name was “Ungaretti”, and he quipped that he “wouldn’t hold it against her.” She must have only been slightly insulted as a few months later, on Valentine’s Day 1963, they had their first date.  As Dwyane describes it, “he hasn’t let her go ever since.” They were married later that year on December 28th and each year have celebrated both their wedding and first-date anniversaries.  Dwyane never hesitates to share with our family his outpouring of love for Shirley and his gratitude for her role in changing the trajectory of his life; the deep love they have for one another is without question.

The Manson family grew with the arrival of Greg in 1966, Dan in 1969, and was completed, with an exclamation point, by Nannette in 1972. Dwayne’s work as an educator and Shirley’s work in banking blessed the family with a network of wonderful friends, and so the adventures were many. With beloved golden retrievers often in tow, snowmobiling, skiing, camping, fishing, volleyball, basketball, hunting, and woodcutting were on the agenda. Countless memories were made in the Big Hole Valley and Clark Canyon Reservoir where a trail of Shoo’s pistachio shells marked the trolling path. Hosting Sunday dinners, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations are cherished gifts she gave to us throughout her life.  In her kitchen, the rigatoni sauce on the stovetop was mostly consumed before dinner and at Christmas, turtles, fudge, nut-clusters, and Chex mix were lovingly prepared to share with all.  Her simple, consistent, accepting, light-hearted, and supportive approach was the foundation from which she influenced our family.

A growing family eventually introduced Shirley and Dwayne to the Salmon, Idaho area; as grandparents they became Nonie and Poppa.  Much time was spent in Salmon floating the whitewater, camping down river, attending sporting events and rodeos, and visiting grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

During the time of raising a family and throughout her career, Shirley worked in banking in both the Anaconda and Butte communities. She was a loyal and valued employee with her hardworking, no-nonsense, get the job done approach. In 1996, she played a key role helping to build from the ground-up what is now First Montana Bank in Butte and establish and support the branches in Anaconda. We smile remembering her opening our accounts in a trailer on the empty lot of a yet to be built bank.

Retirement brought Shirley and Dwayne yet more adventures, starting with several travel trailers of different shapes and sizes that graced their driveway.  The trailers were always fully appointed with all the necessities, which along with classic country music accompanied them on their journeys to 41 states. Extended time was spent in Arizona soaking up the winter sunshine, making new friends, and traversing the golf courses.  Together they played over 60 different courses and more fun ensued when they embarked on cruises to Alaska and Mexico.

The front door of the Manson household has always been open. As her relatives passed, Shirley lovingly took on the role of the matriarch of her extended family keeping abreast of the family news and welcoming all into her home with kindness, a comfortable couch, a snack table, and a toddy. Friendships made throughout the years have withstood the test of time and were lovingly maintained through gatherings, lunch-dates, emails, and posts. Shirley was always open to embracing the challenge of technology and recently programmed a digital photo frame that sits in the living room and scrolls through the highlights of our lives. Often, your attention was called to a picture of a grandchild or great-grandchild, and a memory or update was shared.  Frequently, we heard that they could not have asked for a better family.  Shirley’s deep love of her family was without question.

Shirley passed away in the early morning of January 9, 2025, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, due to complications from heart surgery.  We are certain that Shirley has been joyfully greeted in Heaven by her parents, in-laws, brother, “sister” Betty Jean, dearest friend, Patty Vollmer, and the many friends and family members who have gone before her.

Her loving presence will remain in the hearts of her husband of 61 years, Dwayne; children, Greg (Jeanine), Dan (Kristen), Nannette (Patrick); their children, Nicole (Matt), Derrick (Katelynn), Hannah (Matt), Claire, Paige (Michael), Kate, Marcus, Wylee, and Paxton; greatgrandchildren, Ashlyn, Trey, Mattie Jo, Briggs, Tessa, and Harper;  the Ungaretti, Croley, Moreni, Morani, Agostinelli, and Stranieri nieces, nephews, and cousins; and, special relative, Kathy (Dave) Hayden and family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Holy Family Catholic Church on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church. The family asks that memorials in Shirley’s honor be made to the Anaconda Food Bank or Anaconda Catholic Community.

Please visit the sidebar to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Shirley.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Crematory are privileged to care for Shirley and her family.