Shirley Ann Welch Hardy joined her eternal companion on March 20, 2021 at her home in Battle Mountain at the age of 85.
She was born September 1, 1935 in Little River, Kansas to Adam William Welch and Geneva Roselee Hall.
She was the oldest of four children. One sister, Sonya Janean Buhl and brother, Roger Adam Welch preceded her in death.
The youngest sister Patricia “Pat” Gail Coy survives.
Shirley moved with her family from Kansas to Nevada when she was about a year old. Her parents owned Welch’s Dairy in Battle Mountain, where when she was old enough, she would help deliver milk and pick up empty bottles.
This is one of the big reasons why she did not like milk! Washing too many milk bottles with a little bit of sour milk in them did her in!
She was very athletic in her teenage years. Her high school basketball team went to State her last year in school. There is a picture of it in the County building on the wall.
In 1952, Shirley met and married the love of her life, James Peter “Pete” Hardy. They were blessed with three children, Sonya Shirlynn Milke, James William Hardy and Terry Darlene Hardy.
Shirley had various jobs throughout her life but her main focus after marriage was being a homemaker. She was involved in PTA and the scouting programs for boys and girls.
She worked as a waitress and she took over the job of mail carrier out to Antelope Valley from her mother.
She made many dear friends on her route. She was well known for her friendliness and ability to talk to most anyone.
She always greeted people with a smile and a hug if necessary.
She loved to be in the outdoors. She and her family would often go hunting and fishing and camping. She even picked up golf when she and Pete were challenged to try it.
Quite often in the small towns that she lived in they would have pinochle parties for the adults.
Sometimes they would do monthly dinners with different themes like Chinese, Mexican, or plain old-fashioned barbecue.
She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as the chorister years ago. She was called to work in the genealogy library at the church. She really loved family history and connecting with lost family members. She was a spiritual leader in the family.
She was devoted to caring for her youngest daughter right up to the end. She loved to read and could always be seen with the book in her hand whenever there were a few minutes to wait.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings, daughter Sonya, grand-daughter and other dear relatives. She is probably having a time hugging everyone.
She is survived by her son Jim, daughter Terry, grandsons Russell Milke and Peter James Johnson, great-grandson Aieden Milke, her sister Pat, and nieces and nephews and many friends.
A joint memorial service for both Pete and Shirley will be announced in the future. Thanks to all those involved in these activities.
