Shirley was born in Pierre, SD to Art and Lillian Johannes. The family moved to Huron, SD where her brothers, Bob and Jerry were born. She graduated from Huron High School the second in her class then graduated from Huron College with a B.A. degree in English and Elementary Education. Shirley worked in the public library while in High School and throughout her college years to pay for her tuition, books and living expenses. Because she enjoyed the library atmosphere, her goal was to learn more about Library Science. She taught fifth grade in Miller, SD from 1954-1956. Then taught for four years at Watertown Jr. High School. Afterword she was awarded a $300 Federal Grant to continue studies to become certified in South Dakota in Library Science. Shirley attended the University of Minnesota at St. Paul to fulfill those requirements. To gain experience and with a Library Science certificate in hand, she then worked at the State Library in Pierre. Subsequently, she moved to Rapid City where she taught fifth grade at Grandview Elementary School and was Librarian at West Jr. High School.

In the community Shirley and her family have been members of South Canyon Lutheran Church since it was a very small congregation. For years, she has been singing in the choir, organizing the library and teaching Sunday School. She has been a member for 38 years of Golden Link Chapter #14, Order of Eastern Star. A past president of Business and Professional Women Club and a 60-year member and past president of the Rapid City Branch of the American Association of University Women. In 2000 the Rapid City Branch was failing. It needed a leader. No one volunteered. This dilemma continued for several months. Finally, she volunteered to be president because she did not want this branch to go under. She subsequently remained its president for two years ensuring its continued growth. Today it is the only branch left in the West River area. Happily, the Branch is growing again and now has over 100 members. It was Shirley's love of AAUW and her unwavering altruism that provided it with the bridge that was needed for this growth.

Shirley married Jim Heald, who owns Heald Land Surveying. They have been married for 59 years and have two sons, Tim and Tom (Tom died in 2009).

She is survived by her husband, Jim, son, Tim, Grandson, Tyler (Jordann) Heald, Granddaughter, Victoria (Matt) Tschetter and four great grand kids, Cannon, Aurora, Laramie and Kendric.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 11:00am at Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home, 632 Saint Francis St., Rapid City, South Dakota. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 1901 Mountain View Rd., Rapid City, South Dakota.