CHEYENNE -- A memorial service celebrating the life of Cheyenne resident Shirley B. Kirkbride, 84, will begin at 2 p.m. Monday, July 18, at First United Methodist Church of Cheyenne, with the Revs. Richard Gilbert and Brian Oliver officiating.

She died July 12, 2005, in Cheyenne.

Born May 11, 1921, in Longmont, Colo., she was the daughter of Gladys (Yerian) and Jesse Beeson; was raised and educated in Sheridan; and was the valedictorian of her high school class in 1938. She earned a degree in English from the University of Wyoming in 1942.

On June 21, 1942, she married Ken Kirkbride.

Following World War II, they moved to the Meriden area, where they joined the family ranching operation; and were active in the rural community from 1946 to 1972. The couple continued in the family business after moving to Cheyenne in 1972 until this year.

She was a 65-year member of P.E.O. Sisterhood and Pi Beta Phi social sorority; past president of P.E.O Chapter C and the United Medical Center Auxiliary; and a member of the Memorial Hospital board of trustees from 1986 to 1990. Active in Laramie County Cowbelles, she was president in 1968 and attended all but one Wyoming Stockgrowers' convention with her husband through the years; one year she cared for her daughter-in-law, Pam.

She had been a faithful member of First United Methodist Church since 1962 and served in many capacities, especially treasuring her prayer group and Bible studies. Under her leadership, the church sponsored Nguyen Thanh and his three sons from Vietnam in 1975 and until they were successfully established in the United States and Canada.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years; three sons and their wives, Jon Kirkbride of Cheyenne, Alan Kirkbride of Meriden and Dan Kirkbride of Chugwater; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to United Medical Auxiliary, 124 E. 23rd St., Cheyenne, WY 82001; Wyoming Cattlewomen, 113 E. 20th St., Cheyenne, WY 82001; or a charity of the donor's choice.