Shirley Jean (Caldwell) Pollock
Shirley Jean (Caldwell) Pollock, formerly of Pompeys Pillar, passed away peacefully in Billings, on Jan. 9, 2024, at the age of 89.
She was born on Jan. 27, 1934, to Clarence and Laura (Morris) Caldwell in Billings.
On June 18, 1952, in Red Lodge, Shirley married the love of her life, Leroy Gavin Pollock. They went on to have four wonderful children: Carolyn, Kipp, Bill and Gary.
After 22 years in Billings, Leroy and Shirley moved to Pompeys Pillar and spent the next 35 years there farming, raising sheep, chickens and gardening. She was well known for canning jams and jellies that they sold at local farmers’ markets. They were faithful supporters of Huntley Project Schools and loved following all the grandkids and their sporting endeavors.
Shirley had a love of cooking for her family and friends. Shirley hosted every holiday meal and never expected her family to bring any dishes. She did ALL the cooking herself, including the abundant amount of pies she would make for desert, along with her homemade whipped cream. Shirley was just one call away from any food craving requests and within an hour or two she would stop by with it in hand.
She spent many years as the head cook at the 63 Dude Ranch outside of Livingston. She also was asked to cook during harvest season down on the Huntley Project for several local farmers. Her passion for cooking led her to write her very own cookbook. Her recipes continue to bring joy to all who had the privilege of receiving one of her cookbooks.
Shirley was also widely known for her ceramics shop. Her innovative work inspired others to pursue their passion as she taught classes over several years. Her creativity was endless.
Shirley enjoyed Mustangs baseball games, live music, a night out dancing with friends, weekly Bingo, throwing a $20.00 in the keno machine as well as traveling with her children and grandkids to Scottsdale, Arizona, for some fun in the sun, pool time and Spring Training baseball games.
In July 2010, Leroy and Shirley moved back to Billings to be closer to their kids and grandkids. Shortly after, Shirley lost Leroy in May of 2011.
Shirley is survived her sons, Bill and Gary (Renea); son-in-law Del, and daughter-in-law Kim; sister Carol; grandchildren Theresa Hayter (Jason), Shawna (Pat) Knipp, Jon (Joyce) Hayter, Brooke (Brad) Schneider, Alicia Pollock and Matthew Pollock; great-grandchildren Stetson, Dakota, Madchen, Cora, Taylar, Fayth, Benjaman, Logan, Kaycee, Iann, Adalynn and Madison.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband Leroy; son Kipp; daughter Carolyn and daughter-in-law Nancy.
Thank you to RiverStone Hospice nurses and staff for all the loving care they gave to Shirley and family during her final days.
Shirley left a lasting impression on anyone she met and had a heart of gold.
Granny, your memory will never fade. In life, we loved you dearly; in death, we love you still. If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. Love, your family.
A memorial service will be held at 1p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave., Billings. Please join us after for a celebration of life and a happy heavenly 90th birthday at Yellowstone Country Club, 3200 Paul Allen Way, Billings, following the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of one’s choice in Shirley’s name.
