Shirley Jean Runge

Shirley Jean Runge, a lifelong resident of Worland, Wyoming, was reunited with her loving family and Lord in Heaven on Friday, January 5, 2024. She passed away peacefully at the grand old age of 93 with her daughter, Kristin, by her side and surrounded by the love of family that were unable to be present during her final hours. Shirley had resided at BeeHive Homes in Helena, Montana, since June 2023. Although her mind began to falter toward the later years of her life, her wonderful sense of humor, independent spirit, and complete devotion to her family and the Lord never waned.

Shirley was born in Worland, Wyoming, on Sunday, April 27, 1930, the second child of Eugene (Gene) Walter Hampton and Emma Elizabeth (Faure) Hampton. Her older brother, Eugene Ernest Hampton, had passed away in 1926 at only two days old. Shirley grew up in Worland among her extended family and friends. Her love of horses (of which she owned several), playing the piano, spending time at the family cabin in the Bighorn Mountains, and attending church activities at St. Alban's Episcopal Church played a very important role in the formative years of her childhood.

After graduating from Worland High School in 1948, Shirley attended Colorado Women's College in Denver, Colorado, where she received an Associate Degree in Business. She married Roger Calvin Runge of Morrill, Nebraska, in Worland in 1952. They began married life in Casper, Wyoming, where Roger was an accountant for the Stanolind Oil and Gas Company. In 1954, they moved back to Worland where Roger opened his own accounting practice. Shirley worked as a legal secretary for O'Mahoney and Gorrell Law Firm for several years and then joined Roger in his accounting practice until their retirement in 1988.

Shirley and Roger were blessed with two daughters, Terese and Kristin. An excellent seamstress and knitter, Shirley made many of her daughters' clothes in their early years. From afghans, baby blankets, animal mittens, and Easter sweaters, she kept everyone warm! Shirley's flowers and roses from her garden brightened her home, which was always pleasant and welcoming. She was well-known for her impeccable housekeeping. Lively college fight songs played by Shirley on the piano often reverberated throughout the house. She loved watching football games, especially those played by her beloved Denver Broncos! Shirley was known for her excellent cooking, especially her Tourtons (a delicious recipe passed down from her French grandmother) and Christmas cookies. Entertaining family and friends through Bridge Club, Soroptimists, PEO, Birthday Club, Thanksgiving, and Christmas brought her pleasure. Shirley and Roger enjoyed traveling to see their daughters and granddaughters. Their cruise to the Caribbean was a highlight, and a quick trip to Deadwood was frequently on their agenda.

Shirley's willingness to help others was evident in her active participation in the Washakie Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary, Soroptimists (Safety City for Kindergarten), PEO, St. Alban's Vestry, Altar Guild, Thrift Shop Board, and Meals on Wheels, and as a Washakie Museum volunteer, Girl Scout Brownie Troop Leader, and Room Mother for her daughters in elementary school. She was also a Charter Member of Job's Daughters in Worland.

Her family would like to thank the staff at BeeHive Homes of Helena for their compassionate care and friendship, making the last few months of Shirley's life so special.

We will all miss Shirley terribly, but we are so very thankful to have had her in our lives for so many wonderful years, and to have so many beautiful memories of her. We love you, Mom. You are finally home.

Shirley is survived by her daughters Terese (John) Alexander of Worland, WY, and Kristin (Tom) Basinger of Helena, MT, grandchildren Katee (Neal) Ryan of Memphis, TN, Lauren (Chad) Smith of San Antonio, TX, and Heather Basinger (Brian Johnson) of Helena, MT, and great-grandchildren Lily and Lincoln Ryan, Barrett and Braxton Smith, and Isla Johnson.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024, at St. Alban's Episcopal Church with Reverend Linda Anderson officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Alban's Episcopal Church or Enhabit Hospice. Checks may be sent to P.O. Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryant

funeralhomeonline.com.