Shirley Jean (Carlsen) McLouth

      Shirley Jean McLouth, 68, passed away Thursday, September 15, at Benifis Healthcare after a long battle with cancer. 
 Shirley was born March 10 1954 in Wolf Point, MT to Charles and Marion Carlsen. She joined her three siblings at the farm outside Richey Mt. Shirley grew up on the farm, where she learned a strong work ethic, from milking the cows, feeding livestock, and doing all the other jobs associated with farm and ranch life. Growing up in a small rural community she also learned about friendship, family, and neighbor helping neighbor, which she carried on her whole life. 
 Shirley graduated from Richey High School, and then went to Miles City to study nursing. Due to personal issues, she didn't get to finish school in Miles City. 
 She later married Dale Shanafelt and became an instant mother raising his two children, Jenny and Phillip soon to be followed by Wade their son. 
 She worked many jobs in her lifetime and had an oilfield pipe cleaning and straightening company. They lived in many states, following the oilfield with her business. Shirley and Dale later divorced, and she moved to Cut Bank to work for her sister and brother-in-law, at American Pipe 
 and Supply. 
 Shortly after her move to Cut Bank she met Bill Mclouth and they were together for over 22 years. They were married June 7, 2008 at the family cabin in Essex, Mt. 
 Shirley enjoyed spending time at the cabin, exploring on the four wheelers, prospecting for gold, and spending time with the neighbors at the cabin. 
 Survivors include her husband, Bill; son Wade (Randi) Shanafelt their daughters Riana, Aubrie, and Birklie of Casper WY; stepchildren, Jenny (Steve) Becker and their family of Casper WY. Phillip Shanafelt and his family; brothers Russell Carlsen of Shelby and Dewaine (Linda) Carlsen of Florence, Mt; sister Sharron (Ken) Raemaeker and family of Whitefish and Cut Bank Mt. and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. 
 She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles. 
 Graveside services will be Friday, July 19 at 2:00 pm at Grand View Cemetery north of Richey, MT.
 In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Benefis Gift of Life Housing or a charity of donor’s choice.