Shirley Weaver, age 87, of Naytahwaush, MN, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, under the loving care of her family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Shirley Ann Weaver, born on July 30, 1937, was the cherished youngest of 14 children born to George and Annie (Treichel) Malakowsky. Her early years were spent on the family farm east of Waubun, MN, where she attended country school and embraced the rhythms of rural life. When her father transitioned from farming to a shoe shop, the Malakowsky family moved into Waubun. After graduating from Waubun High School, Shirley embarked on a life full of diverse experiences. She met Lyman Weaver and they were married in 1964 and together they made their home by Synder Lake, east of Waubun raising their children.

They later relocated to the Minneapolis area, where they lived for a few years. While in Minneapolis, Shirley worked different housecleaning jobs with her mother-in-law, Margaret.  Shirley was the heart of their household, managing the care of their six children single-handedly. Her days were filled with hard work, from cleaning homes to raising their children.  In 1981, Shirley moved to Naytahwaush with her three younger children while the other three were old enough to begin their own lives.  She supported her family through house cleaning, babysitting, ricing, and crafting beautiful birch bark creations. Her home was a haven for family and friends, always welcoming and warm.  Once the Shooting Star Casino opened she began working in the housekeeping department, she worked there until her retirement.  She always had a carload of her workers she would pick up to make sure they went to work.    She was a strong-willed woman with a fierce work ethic. Her love for animals and her passion for helping others shone brightly throughout her life. As years went on, Shirley was blessed with 23 grandchildren, many of whom she helped raise, and over 70 great grandchildren, all of who she adored. Later into her retirement she became a MN Twins fan and attended her first game in 2023.  She also loved to watch boxing, doing jigsaw puzzles and playing cribbage and poker tournaments at family gatherings.  Her tender heart, strong work ethic, and unwavering love for her family will leave a legacy to be remembered by many.

Shirley is survived by one son, Richard Weaver; four daughters: Veronica Weaver, Brenda Weaver, Patricia Weaver, and Desiree (Sonny) Wadena; 23 grandchildren; 76 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Sharon (James) Brandon and Toni Weaver; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by Lyman; her parents, George and Annie; one son, Raymond; her siblings, and two great granddaughters.

Funeral Services will be held at the Shirley Weaver Residence on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.  Visitation will be held Monday, August 12, 2024, at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen from 5:00 – 8:00 pm, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Burial will be in the Strawberry Lake Mennonite Cemetery, rural White Earth, MN.