Shirley Mae Thornton Plante Helle, aged 90, passed away on March 10, 2026, in Bemidji, Minnesota. Born in Plummer, MN, she was a devoted mother and wife who enjoyed raising her large family, bookkeeping for her husband’s painting business, traveling across the United States, participating in horse shows, and caring for farm animals and dogs. Shirley was married twice, first to Ray Plante until his death in 1977, and then to Howard Helly until his passing in 1988. She lived in various Minnesota towns before settling in Bemidji in 1997.

She is survived by five children, a brother, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, four children, and several siblings. Funeral services will be held on March 19, 2026, at Cease Family Funeral Home in Bemidji, with interment at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Bagley, MN.