Shirley Abel

Shirley Abel of Hamilton passed away March 2 from a devastating stroke at Saint Patrick Hospital in Missoula. She was born April 21, 1935 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Oscar and Helen Parks. She attended school in Council Bluffs, graduating from high school in 1953. She married Barry Abel Dec. 22, 1955. They made their home in Council Bluffs for several years, where Shirley was a teacher. Four children were born during this time ..... Pam, Shellee, Brian and Lee. In 1968, the Abel family moved to Hamilton, MT where Shirley continued her education at the U. of MT by earning her Bachelor's degree. For many years Shirley was the Director of the Ravalli County Head Start program, a job she thoroughly enjoyed.
Shirley was very active in the Hamilton community in Beta Sigma Phi sorority, volunteer work at Ravalli County Credit Union and on the Board of the Commodity Center. Shirley was an outgoing, involved, caring person making lifelong friends at every encounter. She was a loyal Griz fan and Broncos supporter, never missing the games. Her interest in education and educating children was always in the forefront, especially her grandchildren.
Retirement brought new interests for Shirley in antique musical bird cages and in attracting and viewing the abundant wildlife that was visible from her front and back doors. Birds were her delight as she would identify each new one and excitedly record it. Another of Shirley's greatest pleasures were her daily walks with Barry and calls and visits from her children and grandchildren.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Richard, and grandson Bailey;
She is survived by her husband, Barry, children Pam (Tom) Kovarik and Brian (Deborah) Abel of WA., Shellee Abel and Lee (Chantel) Abel of Kalispell; grandchildren, Christa (Michael) McCormick, Nicholas and Cara Kovarik, Justin and Hudson Abel, all of Washington, as well as Gracelyn, Kelby, and Andelise Abel of Kalispell.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be sent in her name to Bitterroot Audubon, POB 326, Hamilton, MT or you personal charity of choice.