Shirley Ann Bennett

Shirley Ann Bennett, born September 2, 1942, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, passed away May 28, 2026, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, her home for nearly a decade.

In 1967, Shirley married the love of her life, Kenneth Bennett. The two shared 51 wonderful years building a life that took them from Minnesota to Gunnison, Colorado, in 1982, where they put down roots for decades. In 2017, they moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to be closer to family.

Though Shirley and Ken did not have children of their own, Shirley cherished her role as an aunt. Her niece, Julie, held a special place in her heart, receiving an abundance of her love and attention.

Shirley had a gift for connecting with people. Whether she was chatting with a neighbor or striking up a conversation with someone in the grocery store, Shirley made every person she spoke with feel like they mattered.

She was deeply patriotic and enjoyed observing wildlife wherever she lived. A good book, daily walks, and the company of those she loved were all she needed to be content.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ken, in 2018. She is survived by her sisters, Loretta Dow of Phoenix, Arizona, and Joyce (John) Swenson of Bonners Ferry; and her niece, Julie (Mike) Klaus also of Bonners Ferry; as well as her extended family and friends.

Shirley’s faith was a steady presence in her life, and her family finds comfort in knowing she is reunited with Ken in the Lord's care, at peace and at rest.

As Shirley might have reminded us herself, "Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened." And what a beautiful life it was to smile about.

No public funeral or memorial service is planned.