Shirley Ann Tilton
July 21, 1935 ~ September 14, 2025
Shirley Ann Tilton, age 90, born on July 21, 1935, in Minneapolis, MN, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday morning, September 14, 2025, beside her beloved husband, Gail.
Shirley now dances joyfully in heaven with Jesus, awaiting the day Gail will join her and gently ask, “May I have this dance?”
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Frank Conlon (Marilyn); and her sister, Mary Lou Beecher (Delbert).
Shirley is survived by her devoted husband of 70 years, Gail; Three sons, Bruce Tilton (Candy) of Wyoming, MN, Brian Tilton (Cathy) of Forest Lake, MN, and Brent Tilton (Debbie) of Chippewa Falls, WI; Eight Grandchildren, Bridget Dahlen (Travis), Sean Tilton (Danielle), Alex Tilton (Leah), Abigail Richards (Colton), Lindsey Tilton (Cody), Kalynn Behm (Connor), Nolan Tilton (Sara), Travis Tilton; Along with nine great-grandchildren; Olivia, Briggs, Isabel, Parker, Callum, Levi, Nash, Lydia, Theodore.
Shirley grew up in Northeast Minneapolis, where she met the love of her life, Gail—a farm boy from Balsam Lake, WI—who had moved to the city to make a name for himself. They married in May of 1955 and built a storybook life together, raising their three boys in Circle Pines (NE Blaine), MN. Their home was filled with love, laughter, and the kind of neighborly warmth everyone hopes for.
In January of this year, Shirley and Gail moved to Lindstrom Senior Living in Lindstrom, MN, where they enjoyed a beautiful apartment overlooking South Lindstrom Lake and the care of a wonderful staff.
Shirley and Gail shared a lifelong love of dancing. From the early days of their marriage until Gail’s neuropathy kept him off the dance floor at age 86, they could be found twirling and laughing at polka festivals across Minnesota and Wisconsin, surrounded by dear friends.
Shirley will be deeply missed by her family and especially by Gail. Yet it brings comfort to know she lived with deep faith and a heart devoted to Jesus. We know she is with Him now, and we look forward to the day we’ll see her again.
A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at a later date.
What a sweet and loving testament to your mom. She was a dear sweet lady and I’m glad I met her when they drove their RV to Alaska. May God bless your family ❤️
She sounds like she was a beautiful soul. Our condolences on your loss. May she be in the arms of Jesus.🩷
Aunt Shirley’s light will continue to shine through her kids, grandkids, great-grands and the many other friends and family she left behind. Memories will always be accompanied by a smile! May you all be comforted by God’s peace and strengthened by the knowledge that she lived a good life and was very loved.
I always admired the Tilton’s as they went about there travels. Shirley will be greatly missed.