Shirley Elaine Stensgard was born April 24, 1947 in Moorhead, MN to Thorval Stensgard and Adelia (Heller) Stensgard. She attended the Harbor School in Moorhead for many years. In later years she was cared for in her home by CCRI and the last six years, in a group home. Shirley loved the outdoors and going for rides.

Shirley died at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND on April 7, 2014. She is survived by her brother, Thor (Diane) Stensgard, Jr., Fargo; sister, Darlene (Gordon) Severtson, Nevis, MN; and 7 nieces and nephews.