Her funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2009, at First Lutheran Church in Williston. The Rev. Martin Mock will officiate and interment will be in the Riverview Cemetery in Williston.
Shirley Gene was born on Sept. 12, 1923, in Williston, to Otto and Edna (Collinson) Feiring. She graduated from Williston High School in 1941 and attended the secretarial program at NDSCS in Wahpeton. After graduation, Shirley worked in California during WWII to assist the war effort.
On June 18, 1946, she was united in marriage to Vernon Knox. During their marriage they were joined by a son, Alan Knox, on Sept. 24, 1948. Shirley and Vernon lived in the Williston and Ray areas. This marriage ended in divorce.
A few years later, after the discovery of oil in the area, Shirley worked for National Oilwell Supply in Williston. It was during this time that she met Bill Snelson. On July 30, 1956, the couple was united in marriage. Â Shirley and Bill settled in Louisiana where they lived until 1990. During that time, Shirley kept the financial books for the family-owned business, Diesel Engine Service in Metairie, La. On Feb. 18, 1959, they were joined by a daughter, Judith (Judy) Snelson.
In 1990, they sold the family business and moved to Williston to be closer to their family. They lived in Williston until 2005, when they moved back south to Prairieville, La.
Shirley was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Williston, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority both of Williston and Louisiana, and the Garden Club.
She enjoyed square dancing, numerous crafts, sewing, creating and firing ceramics, and arranging flowers. Shirley also enjoyed family gatherings and her house was often the holiday meeting place.
Shirley is survived by her husband of 52 years, Bill Snelson; a son, Alan Knox, and his wife, Judy of Ray; a daughter, Judy Besler, and her husband, Monte, of Williston; six grandchildren, Jason Adam, Chad Knox, April Knox, Chris Adam, Steven Adam and Brad Knox; seven great-grandchildren, Natalie Adam, Melana Adam, Michaela Adam, Christopher Adam, Myia Knox, Noah Adam and Tyson Adam; four step-grandchildren, Marshall Besler, Nathan Besler, Sterling Besler and Amber Besler; seven step-great-grandchildren; a brother, Duane Feiring, and his wife, Mary Ann, of San Marcos, Calif.; and by four nieces.
She is preceded in death by her parents; a great-granddaughter, Sydney Adam; and a step grandson, Dustin Besler.
Friends may visit our website and share remembrances at www.eversonfh.com.
Friends may call at the Everson Funeral Home of Williston Sunday from 1-5 p.m. and for the hour preceding the funeral at the church on Monday.
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