Shirley Wegner was born in Billings on October 23, 1932, to parents Earle and Violette (Vie) Viebrock Romek. Her early years were spent in Belfry, Montana, after which she moved to Red Lodge where she resided until graduating as the valedictorian of her class, the second to last class to graduate from Carbon County High School. Her father died at a very young age when she was only nine. Her mother raised the three kids on her own. Her childhood summers were spent on her maternal grandparents’ ranch in Lavina where she helped with ranching duties. She particularly enjoyed helping raise the bum lambs on the ranch. She was active in Rainbow Girls and served as the Worthy Advisor and was selected as a member of the Grand Cross of Colors.
Following graduation, Shirley moved to Billings where she obtained an Associate’s degree at Billings Business College. She married the love of her life William (Bill) Wegner on April 19, 1953, after his discharge from military service in Korea. They were blessed with a daughter, Elaine in 1955, and son, Rick in 1959. She worked several years as a secretary and then devoted her time to her kids and family and assisting dad in his growing business.
Mom and Dad spent many years traveling all over the country, primarily by motorhome. They were able to visit 48 of the 50 states and even did a motor home rally in New Zealand. Their winters were spent enjoying the warm climate of Arizona, but they always made time to alternate holidays with their kids and grandkids. Some of their favorite memories are of combined family vacations with all the kids and grandkids. Their travels continued until Dad’s death in 1995 when she chose to spend her time in Billings and visiting their two kids and their families.
In 2014, Shirley moved to Sidney to be closer to Elaine and her family. She enjoyed her time at The Lodge and was well known for her zest for all things Bingo. She was known to answer the phone with, “I can’t talk now. I’m playing bingo” in a loud whisper. She never missed a session.
Shirley loved to play family games, especially card games, and she was extremely competitive, much to the consternation of those who did not grow up with her joy of winning games. She was one of the most independent people you might ever meet, and every detail of her life was organized to perfection. She was still directing traffic right up to her last moments on earth, making sure that every detail was covered. She was also well known for her frugality and ability to stretch a dollar to the max.
Shirley’s concern was always first and foremost her family, and she always worried about their happiness and well-being above her own. Her kids always had to check in with her, long after they had kids and grandkids of their own. She was a dedicated and devoted mother and wife, and her later years were brightened by seeing her grandkids grow up, graduate from college and begin lives and families of their own. Her five great grandkids were the icing on the cake. She always had a bowl of treats and a pocketful of change for them.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, and her siblings, Bob and Beryl. She will be loved and forever missed by her children, Elaine (Marvin) Stedman and Rick (Sue) Wegner; her grandchildren, Travis (Billi Jo) Stedman, Jeff (Alexis) Stedman, Matthew (Teresa) Stedman, Brian Wegner and Jenna (Ryan) Vallejo and her cherished great grandchildren, Chase Stedman, Kira Jo Stedman, Bryndi Stedman, Briar Stedman, Baylor Stedman, Jaxon Vallejo and Chloe Vallejo.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Riverstone Hospice, American Lutheran Church, Boys & Girls Club of Richland County, or a charity of one’s choice.