Shirley Leone Emery, 91, Troy, passed away peacefully at her home on November 3, 2025. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, November 21, at Bonners Ferry Funeral Home, 6485 Harrison Street, followed by a gravesite burial at Paradise Valley Cemetery. 2629 Paradise Valley Road, Bonners Ferry. A reception will be held at Shirley’s home.
She was a cherished mother, grandmother and friend, her presence will be deeply missed.
Born in 1934 to George Storkson and Margaret (Miller) Storkson, Shirley was the third of ten children, born and raised in Whitefish, Montana, and a great help to her dad, who was her favorite person in the world.
They would feed the pigs and chickens, pitch hay and tend to their garden together. She was an avid swimmer; and one hot summer day, instead of doing chores, she snuck off and went to the lake but got caught because her hair was wet.
Shirley loved gardening, cooking and canning for her family. Her favorite pastime was crocheting until her eyesight dimmed, her hands grew tired, and we had over 100 doilies each! Shirley treasured her kitties – Chip, Beauty, TK, Little Bit and Crooked Tail. She loved her cowboy shows and “Saddle Up Saturdays” was a can’t miss tv day.
She is survived by her children; Nancy (Chris) Lockhart, Toni Hollen, David Hake, Trudy Anderson and Patricia (Patty) Suber, sisters Eloise Egvedt and Betty Whitman, brother Richard Storkson, 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, with one on the way. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 27 years, C. Lee Emery and her grandson, Joshua Hollen.
Oh goodness, Shirley, we love you so much—for your kindness, your love for work, doing good for others, for being willing to teach those of us who benefitted from your knowledge. You are an unforgettable treasure. Smiling, here, thinking of you, Gretchen (Lederhos) Coats