Republic – Shirley A. Monett, age 72 of 9393 Walstroms Rd., Republic Twp., passed away on Wednesday June 11, 2008 at her home, while in the loving care of her family and the Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice.

Shirley was born September 24, 1935 in Ishpeming the daughter of the late Arvo and Anna (Lakanen) Nevala. She was a graduate of the Republic High School, Class of 1953. She moved to downstate Michigan, where she resided for about 6 years in the mid-50's, working as an operator for Bell Telephone. In the late 1950's she moved back to Republic where she had resided since. While in Republic she had worked at Mr. B's Restaurant as a waitress, and as a secretary at Kellogg Construction during the building of the Republic Mine, and then as a secretary at the Republic-Michigamme School.


She was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church. Shirley had enjoyed crocheting and making afghans. She was an avid sports fan, especially enjoying watching her grandchildren, the Green Bay Packers and Republic-Michigamme High School Sports.


Survivors include 3 daughters – Deanna (Steve) Sullivan of DePere, WI, Cynthia (David) Antilla of Republic, and Sandra (James) Parsons of Negaunee, a son Jack R. Mattila of Republic, 3 step-sons – Mark (Barb) Monett of Grand Junction, CO, Clint (Kathy) Monett of Spring Creek, NV and Brent Monett of Negaunee, a sister Jean Nevala of Palmer, a sister-in-law Judy Nevala of Green Bay, WI, 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Wally Monett in 2006, and a brother John Nevala.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 1:00pm until the time of the Memorial Service to be held at 3:00pm on Sunday June 15, 2008 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic with the Rev. Katherine Finegan to officiate. Inurnment will take place at the Republic Cemetery.