Shirley Ann Guza

Shirley Ann Guza

July 20, 1945 - May 2, 2023
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Shirley's Obituary

Shirley Ann (Lyhne) Guza, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in the arms of the Lord on May 2, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Born July 20, 1945, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to Peter and Rosemary Lyhne, she moved to the United States with her family as a child. 

Shirley graduated from high school in Great Falls, MT, and held several jobs before meeting the love of her life, Mike Guza, while working as a carhop at the A&W where Mike pulled root beer. They went on to raise five beautiful children, whom she was very proud of and supported with unwavering love and devotion. Shirley was her kids’ biggest fan and cheerleader and always made each of them feel special. Shirley and Mike celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary this past February. 

She had a talent for and loved entertaining and cooking, her annual Christmas parties were a highlight for family and many friends. Her love for Christmas was evident through her extravagant decorating and her collection of ornaments, every one having a special meaning for her, but most of all, Shirley embodied the spirit of Christmas through her giving and selfless nature. She had a way of making everyone she met feel loved and appreciated. She never forgot to let you know just how special you were to her, especially on birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and other special occasions where you were certain to receive praise and acknowledgment. 

Shirley had 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, whom she adored and spoiled with love and attention. She took pride in their accomplishments and always made sure they knew how much she loved them, “to the moon and back” she would say. She would sing "You Are My Sunshine" to them as babies, and her love for them shone brightly throughout her life. 

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Holidays and special occasions will not be the same without her, but her memory will be cherished forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Shirley's legacy of generosity, love, and kindness will continue to live on through her family and everyone she touched in her life. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Rosemary Lyhne; brother-in-law, Jim Brown, and sons-in-law, Kris Lafontaine, Louis Guaglio, and Russ Williams. 

She is survived by her husband, Mike Guza; sons, Raymond (Ronda) Guza and Gregory (Marci) Guza; daughters, Elizabeth (Luke) Weber Pallister, Cindy Guza Lafontaine, and Teresa Guza Talbot; sister, Carol Lyhne Brown of Yakima, WA, whom she loved dearly; grandchildren, Michael, Racheal, Jamie, Nick, Joe, Ashley, Jakeb, Lacy, Jordan, Brittany, Austin, Denise, Addisyn, Mitchell, and Emersyn; and great-grandchildren, Rhett, Kimberly, Raylene, Kruz, August, Kent, Blakeleigh, Harper, and Theodore. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at O’Connor Memorial Chapel with burial to follow at Highland. In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s name can be made to the Peace Hospice of Montana.

Memorial Service

O'Connor Memorial Chapel
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  • 2425 8th Ave N
    Great Falls, MT 59401

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