Duane Linda Sheble

 Devoted matriarch and retired Valier librarian Duane Linda Sheble, 84, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Logan Health Care Center in Shelby. Her life was a gift to all she loved in her steadfast and practical way with casseroles, quilts, and attention.

Duane’s memorial service will be at 10 a.m., Friday, August 9 at the Valier United Methodist Church with a reception to follow. Asper Funeral Homes is handling arrangements. 

Duane was the oldest of five and was in charge of her siblings once they were out of the crib. She was born in Choteau to Mable and Ken Boggs, who later divorced. She had a close relationship with Ken’s second wife, Helen, who adopted her. Duane grew up in Great Falls until age 14 and graduated from Geraldine High School in 1958. She thrived in the small town and remained close with her class for the next 60 years. 

Duane met farmer Jim Sheble on a blind date, and they were married for 62 years. Their deep love was woven into their family and never clearer than in the way he cared for her during the past few years as a cruel neurological disease eroded her ability to communicate.

Duane was a farm wife, librarian, and substitute teacher. She regretted not continuing beyond her associate degree from the College of Great Falls so she could have had a teaching career. She was an avid reader. She taught in Brady for two years before marriage.

Duane was diagnosed with cancer at age 40, and she considered the second half of her life to be bonus time. She wished to be remembered for her perseverance, or “bullheadedness,” as Jim would say. She took the challenge of her illness in stride.

She was happy with her life and said her greatest satisfaction was in the good people her children became.

One of the greatest joys of her life was being Grammie to Samantha, Courtney, Mariah, Kendra, Kassady, Karlie, and A.J. She showed her love through her enthusiasm to see her grandchildren and the time they spent together, through her passing along skills like quilting and cooking, and through food, especially her signature goulash and homemade lefse.

Her last great wish was to see her great-grandchildren Kelly, Kyle, Nettie, Orra, and Annalynn grow up, she said. She was the most herself with a baby on her lap, and she’ll always watch over these treasured little ones and those yet to come.

Duane created a warm home that filled with family for birthdays and Christmas. She traveled from Mexico to Alaska to Maine. She and Jim made many road trips to visit family and explore.

She loved family camping trips, especially to Swift Dam, Hungry Horse Reservoir, and Gibson Dam. She would picnic in Glacier National Park as early in the spring as possible – sometimes digging tables out of snowbanks – and hiked to both chalets. The mountains made her heart happy, and she enjoyed cooking in the woods.

Duane made many good friends along the way, particularly neighbors, fellow members of Valier’s United Methodist Church, her pinochle group, Red Hat Society ladies, and square dancers around the region. She learned to kayak with friends on Lake Francis in her 70s, and she created beauty with her skills in hardanger, crochet, knitting, quilting, and embroidery.

Duane is survived by her husband, Jim, their children and spouses, Kent and Jackie Sheble of Valier, Doug and Lisa Sheble of Cut Bank, and Leorra and Philip Nickol of Ledger; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

She’s also mourned by her siblings and their spouses, Dennis and Cherry Boggs of Billings, Diane and Roy Inbody of Choteau, and Jeff and Bonnie Boggs of Miles City, as well as the nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt Duane and will carry forward fond memories of fun on the farm and in the great outdoors.

Duane was proceeded by her parents and her brother, Kenny Ray, who we envision dancing her into Heaven at her last sunrise.

Those wishing to honor Duane may contribute in her memory to the Valier Public Library, the Valier Education Foundation, or your local 4-H program.