To view the Shirley's Funeral Service, please click HERE.

Shirley Anne Smith, 83, of Grand Forks, ND passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.

Born August 13, 1941, in Mandan, ND, to Elener Nelson (Gardiner) and John Mickelson. She attended School in Riverdale, ND.  Shirley married the love of her life, Michael C. Smith, on October 27, 1956, in Washburn, ND. Their deep and lasting love story spanned over 68 years. Together they built a beautiful family, raising four children: Lillian Bell, Michael C. Smith Jr., Richard Smith, and Kevin Smith. Her family grew to include seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, each holding a special place in her heart.

While working various jobs throughout her life, Shirley's primary focus was always her family. She worked as a Scale Master a with American Crystal Sugar for 30 years until her retirement. Over the years she was known for hosting holiday family gatherings that brought the family together and always included delicious food. She cherished her "girl time" that included coffee (or other drinks) and laughs with her closest friends, Jan and Sandy.

Shirley took great joy in sewing, knitting, crocheting, and many more craft type hobbies. Her handmade Christmas stockings became treasured family heirlooms, uniquely created with love for each family member. Mike and Shirley were both avid bowlers who participated in leagues throughout the years. When not crafting or bowling, she could be found tending to her garden, cooking for her loved ones, or enjoying the outdoors while camping and fishing with her family.

Shirley's greatest achievement was the love and care she provided as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her warm heart and nurturing spirit touched all who knew her.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Michael; her children, Lillian (Dave) Bell, Michael Smith, Jr., Richard (Karin) Smith and Kevin Smith; a brother, Johnny (Brenda) Michelson; sisters, Verna (Tom) Sheldon and Betty (Jay) Primm; 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Larry Nelson and a sister, Nola Nelson.

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2025, in the Historic Norman Funeral Home Chapel.
Visitation: One hour prior to the funeral service in the funeral home on Saturday.
Burial: 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Mercer Hillside Cemetery, Mercer, ND.