Shirley J. Higgs, 89, was born in Sheridan Wyoming on March 30th, 1929 and ascended into her heavenly home on May 10th, 2018, surrounded by her loving family.

Her parents, Hershel Aldridge and Naomi Harris Bissell, preceded her in death. Shirley attended Sheridan schools and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1946. After moving to Riverton, Wyoming, she met Jerry M. Higgs, and they married in 1948. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on October 17th, 2017. They shared a lifetime of memories together in their Sheridan home.

Shirley was a stay-at-home mom while her children, Linda and Ken, were young. She then worked part-time as a secretary for Farmer's Insurance Company. She was also employed at the Sheridan Credit Bureau. She loved her position as receptionist at First Federal Savings Bank for 18 years. Shirley was proud of being a faithful member of First United Methodist Church since 1942 (over 75 years). During her life, she belonged to the BPW Club, Junior Women's Club, The 49'ers Dance Club, and was a member of the Jeans and Queens Square Dancing Club for 26 years. She also was a charter member of the Big Horn Mountain Polka Club.

Shirley was happiest in the kitchen perusing her massive collection of cookbooks and endlessly trying new recipes . Her favorite pastimes were attending every musical event at the Wyo Theater and traveling near and far to see concerts of her favorite recording stars. Dancing was a major source of happiness for her, with her dance partner for life, Jerry. She made many friends through dancing.

Shirley is survived by her husband Jerry, her daughter Linda Gundlach and husband Mark, from Albuquerque, New Mexico, her son Ken and wife Becky from Sheridan, Wyoming, her granddaughter Kendell Bachman and husband Bobby from Bozeman, Montana, her 15 month old great-granddaughter, Josephine Jane Bachman, and her grandson Levi Higgs in New York City. She was proud of her family and loved doting on her grandchildren and her sweet great-granddaughter.

Shirley J. Higgs will be fondly remembered by her family and missed dearly. Her enthusiasm for arts and culture, travel, and entertainment were shared by all who knew her and she infectiously passed these interests onto her grandchildren. She supported her family in all their endeavors and ensured they succeeded through her unwavering patronage and cheerleading. Her family's wish is that she be remembered for her caring and compassionate nature to those closest to her, now that she rests in peace.

If you wish, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sheridan Senior Center (The Hub), or to Big Horn Mountain Polka Club.

Celebration of Life for Shirley will be held Thursday, May 17th, at 10am at First United Methodist Church with Reverend Jim Barth officiating. Reception will follow at the church. Interment will be held in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery following the reception.

Champion Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements and online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com.

SheridanMedia.com - May 15, 2018.