Shirley Lois (Fullbright) Tage passed away after a brief illness on August 9, 2022, surrounded by her family and under the attendant, compassionate care of the technicians, nurses, and doctors at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, MT.
She was born in Lewiston, Montana in 1943 to Elmer and Emma Fulbright and spent her formative years growing up on the family homestead farm. She was the youngest of nine siblings, and by her own account, doted on and spoiled by both her parents and older brothers and sisters. While the family farm had few luxuries, it was a house filled with love. During her time on the farm, she learned lifelong skills like canning, gardening, and most importantly, her amazing culinary skills.
After finishing high school in Denton, MT, Shirley made her way to the big city of Great Falls where she spent the next 60 years of her life working as a bookkeeper and an office manager at Northwest Physicians. It was there she met a handsome salesman who would become the love of her life and best friend, Curt Tage.
Shirley was not herself an adventurous sort, but she reveled in the adventures of others and was always there to support those around her. She was an avid lover of nature and would follow Curt on his enumerable efforts to forage native plants, photograph any and all wildlife, and fish the pristine waters of Montana. She herself enjoyed fishing occasionally and could dress and filet some trout with the precision of a surgeon. Ask her to put a worm on the hook though and she would squeal in disgust.
Shirley is survived by husband Curt; sons, Todd and Kyle; daughter-in-law, Wendy; stepdaughter, Corrine (John) Brandvold; grandchildren, Tyler, Emily and Landon; step-grandchildren, Katie, Jacob, and Tommy; and cousins, nieces, and nephews, all across the US who consider Aunt Shirley to be a friend, mentor, and confidant. Her front door was always open for family needing time for a reset or a chance to take away from their troubles. More importantly, Aunt Shirley was there to dole out a hug when needed or tough love if that is what was in order.
Aside from her love of friends and family, Shirley’s heart always had a place for animals. Whether it be the countless dogs and occasional cat, or the wounded ducks, owls, pheasant, or whatever else showed up that she and Curt would nurse back to life with the fascinated assistance of her sons. She also had a place in her heart to be kind and helpful to others and taught her children about charity and the importance of thinking of others before thinking of yourself.
Shirley was an amazing chef. The skills she learned growing up on the farm carried with her for her entire life, and in the kitchen was truly her domain. She lived for any holiday meal that she could wow the crowd with and if you ever had the chance to eat her fried chicken, you will know there was none better. Despite her best efforts to pass on her cooking skills to others, no one can quite get the apple pie to taste the same.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. A memorial service will be held on August 20, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel. She will be missed greatly.
