Shirley Rae Eye

Shirley Rae Newton Eye, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the Pines of Mission in St. Ignatius. She was born Oct. 18, 1938, in Polson, MT to Raymond and Pearl (Schmidt) Newton. 

Shirley was raised on the Newton ranch and graduated from Polson High School. She got her B.S. Degree in Physical Education and Business from the University of MT in 1960. She taught at Sunnyside, WA and St. Ignatius, MT.

On June 24th, 1961, she married George Eye and they have ranched near St. Ignatius ever since.

Shirley was a member of Mission Valley Jayceens, Foothills Club, United Methodist Church, Lake County Farm Services advisor and Northwest Accordion Association where she played drums. She loved animals, gardening, dancing, playing cards, family & life!

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years George, her parents, George’s parents, her sister Deanna Rae Newton and her nephew Jimmy Lake.

Shirley is survived by her son Gordon (Tammy) Eye, her daughter Sherilyn (Darwin) Stoner of Belgrade and her three precious grandchildren Cody (Gabby), Beau (Destiney) and their children; Zaya, Avery, Emery Brylee, and baby girl Stoner expected in December, Allie (Jordan) Smith and their children; Beckman and baby girl Smith expected in October. She is also survived by her sister-in-law/brother-in-law Evelyn & LeRoy Lake and their children Jack, Tammy, Loretta, Marlene, Rhonda and their families.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 11, 2024, at the Mission Valley United Methodist Church at 11:00 am. A light meal will be available after the service, and then her body will be laid to rest at Pleasant View Cemetery in St. Ignatius.

The family suggests Memorials to Shodair Children’s Hospital, Mission Valley United Methodist Church, or St. Ignatius Senior Center.