Shirley Hince, 74, of Thief River Falls, MN died on Monday, December 13, 2010 at Pioneer Memorial Care Center in Erskine, MN surrounded by her loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, December 18, 2010 at St. Bernards Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial will be held at St. Bernards Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM with a 5:00 PM prayer service on Friday, December 17, 2010 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM at the church.

Shirley Ann Poole was born on April 3, 1936 in Drayton, ND the first of six children born to John and Violet (Brew) Poole. She was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith. Due to her father, Johns owning and operating various businesses, Shirleys family moved to many communities throughout North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. In 1954, she graduated from Lafayette High School in Red Lake Falls, MN.

On October 22, 1955, Shirley was united in marriage to Willard J. Hince in San Pedro, CA. In 1956, the couple moved to Brooks, MN. To this union seven children were born, Willard, Jr., Duane, Catherine, Timothy, Craig, Linda and Marybeth.

In 1967, Shirley went to work at Third Base and helped Willard at the Cozy Bar in Brooks, MN. In 1971, the family moved to Thief River Falls, she attended Northland Community College and received a degree in stenography. Shirley went to work at the Thief River Times. From 1976 until June 1979, Shirley cared for their daughter, Linda who was ill from leukemia. She and her daughter, Cathy opened and operated C & S Cake Supplies until 1983 when Shirley went back to Northland College and earned a degree as an LPN, following graduation she took a job at the CNC Unit at Northwestern Hospital. Following her job at the hospital, Shirley took on various jobs including Price World, Heritage Center Craft Shop and the Thief River Chamber of Commerce.

Shirley enjoyed crafts, rummage sales, puzzles, card games, camping, decorating, painting, Christmas, driving around, and visiting family and friends. She was a member of St. Bernards Catholic Church and TOPS.

Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Willard of Thief River Falls; children, Willard Hince, Jr. of Moose Lake, MN, Duane (Cheryl) Hince of Fridley, MN, Catherine (Vince) Miramontes of Thief River Falls, Timothy (Cheryl Costello) Hince of St. Paul, MN, Craig (Tammy) Hince of Brahm, MN and Marybeth (Paul) Workin of Fargo, ND; 11 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Betty (Bernie) Freske, Gloria (Harlan) Kremer, Douglas (Dee) Poole, Joyce (Roger) Logan and John (Judy) Poole; and many relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Rae Hince; and her parents.