Shirley Songer, 64, died Friday, March 8, 2002, at her Sheridan home.

She was born May 18, 1937, in Watford City, N.D. to Johnnie and Sylvia (Hetland) Skaar.

The family came to Sheridan when she was young.  She attended schools in Sheridan and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1955.

She worked at the telephone company until going to work as a legal secretary for Redle, Yonkee & Arny attorneys.

She married Gene Songer in Sheridan.  She worked for the county court in the late 1980s until she retired.

She was a musician, songwriter and performed with her sisters.  Shirley was a speaker for Christian Women's Club, a member of Women Aglow and performed with Sweet Adelines singing group in Carnegie Hall.

She belonged to Trinity Lutheran Church, where she was a Stephens minister, Bethel Bible teacher, helped form the contemporary Praise & Worship service and formed the Cherub Choir for youth.

Survivors include her husband; son Mike Songer of Billings; daughters Kari Henrichs of Elk Creek, Neb., and Jayleen Florian of Gill, Colo.; sisters Joanne Larsen, Dee Pelesky and Lorri Wilson, all of Sheridan; eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

A celebration of life will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Revs. Ronald Nelson and Wilbur Holz officiating.  Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.  Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials may benefit the Shirley Songer Memorial Fund in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, Box 2007, Sheridan WY  82801.