Shirley (Peterson) Sundquist

Shirley “Shirl” Jean (Peterson) Sundquist, 84, of Great Falls, passed away July 22, 2017 of natural causes at her daughter’s residence. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Shirley was born November 8, 1932 in Valley City, ND to A.I. “Pete” and Ann Hilborn Peterson. She lived in Leal, ND, until age four when her family moved to Worland, WY. Later the family moved to Glendive, MT, and Cheyenne, WY, finally settling in Sheridan, where she graduated. It was there that she met the love of her life John Sundquist Jr. On June 12, 1952 they married. John was in the U.S. Navy and Shirley followed him through several assignments before they ended up in Great Falls, where they made their home. Shirley worked in the bookstore at the University of Wyoming while her husband, John, earned his accounting degree. General Mills moved them to Great Falls in 1960. Shirl was a wonderful mom who took care of all her children. Longing for an education degree, she was able to go to college after her youngest child started grade school. Shirley attended the College of Great Falls where she graduated Summa Cum Laude, with a bachelor’s degree in education with a math and chemistry major. She then spent the next 19 years teaching math at West Junior High, North Junior High, and Great Falls High School, where she retired. After retirement, Shirley was able to do one of the things she loved the most; traveling with John until his death in 2001, and then later on with her companion Gerald Nisbet. Throughout Shirley’s life she had many accomplishments which included; Honor Society Member, Delegate to Girls State, a varsity cheerleader, and Honor Queen of Job’s Daughter’s Bethel #5, Sheridan, WY.She also enjoyed bowling, playing bridge, traveling, crocheting, knitting, working crossword puzzles, watching jeopardy; and she was a Cub Scout, a Campfire leader, and volunteered at United Way. Shirley was also a member of Friendship Chapter Order of the Eastern Star in Sheridan, WY. Shirley is survived by her daughter, Patricia (Ed) Hughes of Great Falls, MT; sons Gary (Cathy) Sundquist of Black Eagle, MT, Terry (Ruby) Sundquist of Livingston, TX, and Tim Sundquist of Star, ID; sister Judy Musgrave, of Decker, MT; brothers A.D. “Pete” Peterson of Sheridan, WY, and John (Mary) Peterson of Sheridan, WY; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, A.I. “Pete” and Ann Peterson; husband John Sundquist Jr.; companion Gerald Nisbet; and grandson Jacob Sundquist. The family wishes to thank the staff at Benefis Hospice. Donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.