Shirley May Claggett Smolley was born June 19, 1915, in Hopkins, Minnesota, to parents Maurice and Edna (Hamilton) Claggett. Shirley was one month old when the family relocated to Montevideo, Minnesota, to help with the family hardware business. She was taught to swim and drive by brothers: Wilbur, Richard and Robert. She was educated at Sibley School and Central High School, graduating in the Class of 1934 from Montevideo. She achieved a secretarial degree from Windom College in Montevideo and landed her first position with Judge Hunt in Montevideo. After several years Shirley moved to Fairmont, Minnesota, to be employed by the Farmer's Home Administration. On a sunny February 2, 1952, at the age of 37, Shirley married Abner Burnill Smolley and moved from being a professional to farmwife. Three years later she took on the role of "mom." The couple raised two children, Patricia Gayle and James Burnill. In 1986, Shirley and Abner built a home in Clarkfield. After Abner's death in June of 1987, Shirley focused her attention on her grandchildren and her dog "Grimmie." Her home was always open to all her grandchildren and their friends for treats and conversation. In the fall of 2005 Shirley entered the Clarkfield Care Center. She loved her caregivers and pet buddy "Annie." She passed away at the Care Center on Monday, September 6, 2010, at the age of 95 years, 2 months and 18 days. Shirley had been a member of Eastern Star for over 50 years. She was a member of the Care Center Auxiliary, the Lisbon Township Homemakers and loved her weekly "weight" group. She played the piano and loved music. She loved to eat out and shop! Shirley always saw positive in life and although she lived to age 95 she remained "young at heart." Her life will always be celebrated by her loving family. Shirley exemplified the saying "youth is a gift, old age an art." Shirley is survived by children: Jim (and Gail) Smolley of Clarkfield and Pat (and Jerome) Bakkelund of Montevideo. Seven grandchildren loved her dearly: Krystal Smolley and special friend Matt McGinn, Amber (and Cory) Winter, Elizabeth Bakkelund and fiancé Joshua Boots, Jordan Smolley and fiancé Derek Krogstad, Leiah Smolley, Bryce Bakkelund, and Brook Bakkelund. Two years ago Shirley's first great grandchild was born-Ayla Marie Winter. Also surviving her are sisters-in-law Kit Claggett and Clarice Smolley. Proceeding Shirley in death were her parents; husband Abner; brothers: Wilbur, Richard and Robert; brothers-in-law: Calmer, Jay and Donald Smolley, Robert Brock, Vernon Palmgren and Harland Jacobson; sisters-in-law: Evelyn Brock, Lillian Palmgren, Norma Jacobson, Margaret Smolley and Sadie Smolley; and nephew Dean Jacobson. Blessed be her memory. In Loving Memory of Shirley M. Smolley Visitation Thursday, September 9, 2010 ~ 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. Lynner Funeral Home, Clarkfield, Minnesota Funeral Service Friday, September 10, 2010 ~ 11:00 a.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Clergy Officiating Pastor Jack Torgersen (Interim Pastor of Clarkfield Lutheran) Organist, Charlann Anspach Congregational Hymns "How Great Thou Art!" "Amazing Grace" Special Music Amber Smolley, violinist "I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry" Elizabeth Bakkelund (Soloist) "On Eagles Wings" "Me and God" (CD by Josh Turner) Casket Bearers (her Grandchildren) Krystal Smolley ~ Amber Winter Elizabeth Bakkelund ~ Jordan Smolley Leiah Smolley ~ Bryce Bakkelund Brook Bakkelund Final Resting Place Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery Clarkfield, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota