Shirley Rae (Lewis) Adams

Shirley Rae Adams, 90, of Billings, Montana, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025. She was born February 22, 1935, in Glasgow, Montana, the youngest of five daughters to King and Bertha Lewis. She grew up in Opheim, surrounded by her sisters Jean, Bess, Gladys, and Margaret.

As a young woman, Shirley’s family moved to Great Falls, where she graduated with the Class of 1952 from Great Falls High. She was a talented clarinet player in the school band, and her love of music stayed with her throughout her life. Shirley went on to study journalism at Montana State College (now the University of Montana).

She married Perkins Ouellette, and together they welcomed four children: Terry, Lori, Leslie, and Linda. Later, on August 10, 1963, Shirley married Ron Adams, and they were blessed with two more children, Donald and Nikki. In March 1970, the family settled in Hardin, Montana, where Shirley and Ron raised their children.

Shirley worked for Mountain Bell and later for First Interstate Bank, where she made lifelong friends before retiring. She was an active member of the Methodist Church in Hardin, devoted to her community and her faith. She could always be counted on to attend her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, and she loved her weekly outings—whether coffee with friends to catch up on the latest news, or her regular visits to the beauty parlor.

After Ron’s passing in 2022, Shirley moved back to Billings, where she lived at The Legacy Assisted Living. She remained a strong, loving, and spirited woman, deeply connected to her family.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, her husband Ron Adams, her daughter Lori Ryan, and her son-in-law Rich Wynkoop.

She is survived by her children Terry (Robin), Leslie, Linda (Tracy), Donald, Nikki (Steve); her son-in-law Ed ; 17 beloved grandchildren—Trevor, Travis, Tim, Vance, Brad, Marc, Eric, Bryce, Scott, Brenden, Brittney, Mark, Craig, Stormi, River, Jamie, and Jessica—and 29 great-grandchildren, with another expected in December.

Shirley will be remembered for her beautiful smile, wit, and unwavering dedication to her family. She touched the lives of everyone she met and will be dearly missed.

A viewing will be held at Bullis Mortuary 507 N Center Ave. from 5-7 pm Friday August 22, 2025 in Hardin, MT

The funeral will be at 11:00 am Saturday August 23 at The United Methodist Church, 122 5th St W, Hardin, MT, followed by interment at Fairview Cemetery.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Shirley Rae (Lewis) Adams, please visit our Tree Store.