Shirley J. Moe

April 24, 1932 – October 4, 2026

Shirley J. Moe passed away October 4, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona, at the age of 94.  She was born on April 24, 1932, to Ole and Olga Lee. Because the roads were bad, the county doctor couldn’t arrive until the next day, so delivery duties fell on Ole. Olga assisted him, reading the instructions in their “Doctor Book.”

Shirley Jean grew up on the Circle L Ranch near Carpio, ND and made many joyful memories with her brothers, sister, cousins, and friends. Even when times were hard, most notably when their home and everything in it was lost in a fire, she demonstrated resilience and acceptance. Instead of lingering on loss, she always remarked on the generosity of neighbors and friends. These childhood experiences forged her strength as an adult.

She loved her childhood – and school! Grades 1 through 8 were taught in a rural one-room schoolhouse, while she spent her high school years “in town” at Carpio, where she graduated Valedictorian. Many of her school friends remained close throughout her life. Shirley’s love of learning culminated in a teacher’s certificate, and she would later teach in the similar single-room schoolhouses of her childhood.

Shirley met Robert Moe on a train to Kalispell, Montana. Robert was traveling to Fort Lewis with the Army National Guard, and was stationed in Korea during the conflict, and they married in 1953.  Together they raised four children in Minot, ND. Shirley grew a large garden and lived frugally. She instilled in her children the love of learning, an appreciation for the arts, and respect for nature. Her favorite pastimes were listening to and watching birds, drawing, sewing, knitting, needlework, quilting, and, in later years, writing. We were blessed to have her stories.

Caring for people came naturally to Shirley. She helped care for her grandfather, her mother, and her father. Her compassion for others was demonstrated in classrooms, Sunday School, VBS, confirmation classes, and adult Bible studies. She was a leader in her church (Christ Lutheran), and volunteering. While living in Minnesota, Shirley served as a Stephen’s minister for many years and was an active member of PEO. She was a friend, neighbor, and a “good and faithful servant.”

Shirley loved spending time – some entire summers! – with her grand/great-grandchildren. They picked raspberries in Canada, had adventures in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota and the turtle races in Perham, and enjoyed high tea with a set acquired in England. These were moments that gave us a glimpse into Grandma Shirley’s silly side. Playful and wry, she made an indelible impression remembered fondly by all who knew her.

After her husband’s retirement, Shirley and Bob spent several years on Little McDonald Lake near Perham, MN, with a short stint in Bob’s hometown of Cavalier, ND.  After 64 years of marriage, Robert passed away in 2017, and she moved to Arizona to be closer to family. She spent the last nine years at Fellowship Square’s Memory Care facility. Our deepest and heartfelt appreciation goes out to the wonderful, loving staff who cared for her, and the staff of Always Present Hospice.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Moe; her parents; her brothers, Don, Bobby, and Larry; and her sister, Viola Herzberg. She is survived by her brother, Alan (Linda) Lee, and her children, Patricia (Dan) Berck, Gary (Erkan) Moe, Kathryn (Stan) Kirlin, and Karen (Kurt) Dennis; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be Friday, November 6^th at 1:00 pm at Mountain View Funeral Home in Mesa, Arizona.  A graveside service will be held in the spring/summer of 2027 at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery in Mandan.