Shirley Longwell

Shirley Longwell, 81, passed away Saturday, March 26, 2016, in Thermopolis following a brief illness.

Born June 30, 1934, in Thermopolis, she was the daughter of Adam and Margaret (Walker) Strausner. She graduated from Thermopolis High School in 1952.

In 1954 she married Ernest William Bent, Jr. and they had three children together, Mike, Pat and Joanna. The couple later divorced. In the 1990s Shirley married Reuben Glen Longwell who passed away in 2005.

For 25 years Shirley was the Director of the Hot Springs County Senior Citizen Center. A people person, she enjoyed socializing with friends and family. She is remembered as non-judgmental and was sought out by many for her mentorship of life's issues. An avid reader she also enjoyed painting scenery. Family was her primary joy in life.

Shirley is survived by her son, Patrick Bent of Edmond, Okla .; daughter, Joanna (Mark) Polydoros of Dewey, Ariz .; grandchildren, Quinton Cable, Bradley Smith, Mitchell Bent, Adam Bent, Chris Bent, Joe Polydoros, Zach Herr, Ame Longwell, Karen Sagrilla, Shauna Traphagan and Whitney Katzenberger; and several great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by both spouses; son, Michael Bent; and her brother, Dr. LeRoy Strausner, who are survived by their spouses, Karen and Marcia respectively.

 A Celebration of Life will be Friday, April 8 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Nathan Winters officiating. Inurnment will follow at Monument Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please support the Senior Citizen Center.

Mortimore Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online remembrances/condolences may be expressed at http://www.mortfh.com.