Shirley Jean Donaldson

Shirley Donaldson, 76 left us peacefully on January 2, 2024, in her home surrounded by loved ones from a short battle with cancer.  Born on July 15, 1947, in Sheridan, Wyoming to Robert and Frances Carson.  The family moved to Gillette in 1960 where she graduated from Campbell County High School with high honors in 1965.  Shirley started working at a young age and helped with numerous family-owned businesses throughout the years, such as the Green Trim Motel from 1966-1971, the Sunset Motel from 1967-1970, Carson Mobile Home Sales through the mid 1970's and the Weltner Wonder Museum which her grandparents started in Hardin, MT. and had brought to Gillette to be ran by her parents and Shirleys helping hand. Shirley married the love of her life, Floyd Donaldson on December 7, 1985. She had many joys, including her 1947 Buick that she and Floyd took to many classic car shows, even winning first place a time or two. Shirley loved riding horses, Pony Expressing, and their Hunting Camp that they ran from 1981-1991 had no better cook than Shirley. Shirley was also known to brand and tag cattle alongside Floyd and loving every moment of it.  She loved Betty Boop, and had a witty sense of humor, and you would rarely catch her without a Betty Boop shirt on. Shirley loved watching rodeos on TV and sitting at her picture window at home counting wildlife. Shirley had a knack for numbers and used her skills not only for her bookkeeping services but for her children's education as well, we all know how to balance a check book thanks to her! Shirley was an intelligent, thoughtful, and loving woman, who would give the shirt off her back if anyone needed. Shirley may have held many jobs throughout her life, but none as important as being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Shirley will be truly missed but never forgotten by all who knew and loved her. Shirley is survived by her husband Floyd Donaldson, son Grover (Lynette) Frost, son Ken (Catrin Michele) Donaldson, son Ray (Celeste Hayden) Donaldson, daughter Kadie Donaldson, daughter Jennifer (Bryon Updike) Donaldson, many grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Shirley is preceded in death by her grandparents Fred and Emma Weltner, parents Robert and Frances Carson, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be made in Shirley's name to benefit Gillette High School Rodeo Club. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716.