Shirley A. Donovan

Shirley Ann Donovan, age 87, of Kindred, North Dakota, passed away peacefully at her home on June 2, 2026. Born on June 8, 1938, in Minnesota to August and Gladys (Erickson) Kelting, Shirley grew up in Barnesville before moving to Moorhead, where she attended Moorhead High School.

Shirley married Alton Olson and settled in Moorhead, where they welcomed a son and she devoted herself to caring for her young family. After her divorce from Alton, she welcomed two daughters. In time, Shirley met Dennis Donovan, who brought three beautiful daughters into her life as stepchildren. Together, Shirley and Dennis lived in several communities, including Fargo and Horace, before making their home on a farmstead outside Walcott, North Dakota. Life on the farm suited her well — it was where they welcomed a son and where Shirley found joy in the simple, steady rhythm of country living.

Shirley had a lifelong love of horses, especially her beloved Duchess. Some of her happiest moments were spent on horseback, taking in the quiet beauty of trail rides. Over the years she worked many jobs — school bus driver, gravel truck driver, and security guard at the Holiday Inn — each one reflecting her strong work ethic and her willingness to do whatever was needed for her family. She also treasured the many trips she and Dennis took together.

In 1995, Shirley met her long‑time partner, Larry Hager. The couple made their home in Minnewauken before settling in Kindred in 2006. Shirley loved her family deeply and especially cherished time spent at Star Lake, pulling her fifth wheel to Colorado to visit her son Tate, and creating lasting memories with her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren. Her loyal canine companion, Mattie, was always by her side and brought her great comfort and joy.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Tate Donovan; her baby brother, Larry Kelting; her sister, Betty Buland; her former husband, Dennis Donovan; and her long‑time partner, Larry Hager.

She is survived by her children: Kim (Debbie) Olson, Tamie (Dan Evanger) Brossart, Kathy Olson, Pam (Kevin) Heiden, Tammy Bork, and Kim Donovan. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Brandin (Rachel) Olson, Jessica (Nick) Dyrendahl, Brent Olson, Sam Olson, Tanner (Katie) Olson, Gregory (Mellia) Rolle, Darien (Cory) Rolle, Nicole (Blake) Leier, Eric Heiden, Bria (Eric) Jacobson, and Sydney Bork; along with her 17 great‑grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Memorial Service: 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Fredrikson-Boulger Funeral Chapel, Kindred with visitation starting at 1:00 P.M.

Interment: Kindred Cemetery.