She was born on April 23, 1935, in Dixon, the daughter of John and Frances Marie (Jones) Virnich. She married Albert Montieth on August 31, 1975, in Rock Falls. He died on May 3, 2011. Shirley had worked for several years at Central Quality in Polo. She was a member of St Mary Catholic Church in Sterling. Shirley enjoyed playing Word with friends, especially with her niece.
Survivors include her daughters: Karen (Dave) Dykhuizen of Rockford and Kathy Montieth of Sterling; two grandchildren: Mike (Arin) and Melissa (Brent); great granddaughter Hailee; her sister Mildred Kay Reyes; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and four brothers: Jesse, Jim, John Virnich, and Bradley Ferris.
A private celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling on Saturday. Burial was at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Arrangements entrusted to McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory.
