Shirley Ann Dietz

Shirley Ann Dietz, 90, of Lincoln, Montana, entered Heaven on Tuesday, July 8 th , 2025, from her
cherished home in the woods of Lincoln.
Shirley was born on November 24,1934, in Great Falls, Montana, to Vincent and Anne (Smovir)
Muretta. After her father passed in 1940, her mother married Ignus Gliko, and the family moved to a
ranch just south of Belt. Shirley grew up with her siblings: Vernon Muretta, Helen Muretta (Gerhart),
Bob Muretta, and Chuck Muretta.
Shirley was fiercely independent and hardworking from a young age. She left the ranch early in life to
support herself—working as a waitress at the Cub’s Den in Monarch and helping care for local
families’ children. She attended school in Great Falls and Monarch and graduated from Belt High
School.
It was while “cruising the drag” on Central Avenue in Great Falls that Shirley looked over and met the
love of her life, Donnie Lee Dietz, in the car beside her. The two were married on June 7, 1958, at
Central Christian Church in Great Falls. They built a happy life together—first in the Riverview
neighborhood, then on the west side of town, before eventually settling on a farm in the Sun River
Valley near Simms. There, they raised five children: Tim, Debbie, Marilyn, Chuck and Peggy.
Shirley worked in the school system while Don continued his career with Gusto Distributing. Their
retirement season brought them to Lincoln, where they fully embraced mountain life. Shirley found joy
in canning, gardening, quilting, dancing to Daniel O’Donnell in her living room, and Bible study. But
above all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and following wherever their sports would
lead them. She led the Christmas program at her church for many years and hosted an annual
Ladies’ Spring Tea that was both elegant and heartfelt. Shirley had a way of making people feel truly
special. Her smile could light up a room, and her calm, joyful presence brought comfort and warmth
wherever she went.
Lovingly known to many as “Grama Shirley,” she was a true example of living faithfully, graciously,
and joyfully—no matter what life brought her way. Her strength, her gentleness, and the deep peace
of her presence touched countless lives. Her love for the Lord was deep and unwavering, making her
a pillar of strength and grace.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Vincent & Anne, brothers Chuck & Vernon, husband
Don Dietz, and daughter Peggy Clark. She is survived by her siblings Helen Gerhart and Bob
Muretta; sons Tim (Laza) Dietz and Chuck (Wendi) Dietz; daughters Debbie (Dave) Fertterer and
Marilyn (Steve) Kersch; as well as 27 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored
and spoiled. Her greatest joys in life were being a faithful wife, mother, and grandmother.
We will miss her encouragement, her quiet wisdom, and most of all, the calming joy of simply being
near her. Her strength, her faith, and the peace she brought to those around her leave a legacy that
cannot be measured.
There will be a Memorial Service Sunday, July 13 th , 2025 at 10 AM at Croxford Funeral Home.

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