Shirley Harp Montes

Shirley Lorraine “Lorrie” Harp Montes rejoined our Heavenly Father on February 12, 2022. She was a woman of boundless love and caring for everyone she knew.
Lorrie was born April 4, 1935 in Lamar, Colorado. When she was young, she and her family moved to Salem, Oregon. While life took her many wonderful places, she always considered Salem to be home.
Growing up in Salem, she attended and graduated from Salem High School. She attended college, then in 1958 she joined the Women’s Army Corp. Eager to serve her country, she was pleased to learn she had tested into the Cryptographic Specialist role, a career path that granted her high clearance, the opportunity for foreign deployment, and the chance to dive deep into words and language, one of her deep passions.
She was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany where she met her future husband and the love of her life, a handsome young soldier named Jesus “Monty”
Montes. Although they were eventually to marry, she didn’t make the courtship easy on him — he had to work to earn her love. They frequently went dancing (their song is “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers) and Jesus wooed her with flowers and gifts. Soon enough the romantic European setting encouraged their love. They were married in 1960 and traveled to Paris for their honeymoon.
While in the military they started their own joyous family — three boys and three girls. Military service took the family to many duty stations across the world, and Lorrie always made sure no matter where they were it still felt like home. Eventually when Jesus retired it was decided the family would return to Salem, a decision that both Lorrie and the town benefited from.
Lorrie was the light of her family’s life. She loved to support them, encourage them, and teach them about faith, family, and love. She showered them with all the wonderful things her hands could make: beautiful clothes (with Barbie clothes to match for the girls), delicious sugar cookies (passed down from her own mother), and popcorn balls in all the colors of the rainbow. But her love wasn’t merely in physical things — she was generous with her time as well. When her boys joined sports, she was always at games and practices with cheers and snacks for the whole team. When they expressed doubts about Boy Scouts, she became their troop Scoutmaster to encourage them to stay. And from the time her girls were tiny — as young as two years old — she encouraged them to join Cheerleading, even taking on a position as cheerleading coach to support them.
In addition to love of family, she also set an example to her children of the love we receive from God and how to spread that love to others. She taught Sunday school for many years, contributed to missionary missions, and was always eager to teach her own children about God through fun weekly Bible studies in her home. They came to understand God’s unfailing love for them, and for all people, through her gentle teaching.
After her children were grown, she continued to spread care through the community. In 1983, she took on a career in healthcare at the Oregon State Hospital, first as a Certified Nursing Assistant and later as a Certified Medical Assistant. As with all things, she leapt in with gusto and good humor,
earning the love and respect of both staff and patients. She made many lifelong friends. She worked there for 20 years, retiring in 2003.
Now retired, with children grown and grandchildren on the scene, she took time to follow her personal passions. As a lover of language, she was constantly reading and solving word puzzles. A crafter at heart, she spent much time cooking, making art, and even delving into ceramics. She lavished her family with thoughtful, considerate gifts that they continue to treasure.
Regardless of the event or the circumstance, she was extravagant with her love, making everyone around her feel special and appreciated. In return, we loved and appreciated every smile, gesture, laugh, and thoughtful kindness she bestowed on us.
Lorrie is preceded in death by her parents: Hallie Faye Ralston Harp and James Harold Harp; brothers: Burt, Dale and Eugene Harp; Sisters: Norma Rogers, Rena Dale, and Pat Reppeto. Lorrie is survived by husband: Jesus Montes; Children: Jesus (Tracy, 3 children, 8 grandchildren), Burt (1 child, 1 grandchild), James (Lisa, 5 children, 1 grandchild); Terresa (Gary, 2 children, 4 grandchildren); Rena (Brett, 3 children, 2 grandchildren); E’lena (Donald, 2 children, 1 grandchild); Stepson: Carlos (4 children, 13 grandchildren); and brothers: Dick and Ron Harp.
Lorrie’s entire family celebrates the beauty of her life through the love they share. We invite you to celebrate with us on February 26th,10 am at Restlawn Funeral Home, 201 Oak Grove Rd NW., Salem, OR 97304. Potluck reception to follow the celebration of life.