Shirley Ione James

Shirley Ione James, age 72, of Menahga, MN died Sunday, December 1, 2013 at Tri County Hospital in Wadena, MN. Shirley was born February 4, 1941 in Sebeka, MN to William and Vida (Hoyhtya) Kuha. She grew up in Sebeka and graduated from High School there. On May 23, 1962 she married Gayle Hotchkiss in Wadena, MN they made their home in Sebeka, Fargo Moorhead and the Detroit Lakes area. Together, they had three children. On August 20, 1988 Shirley married Lee James in Menahga. They lived happily in their home in Meadow Township, caring for one another for the past 25 years. Shirley enjoyed crafts such as quilting, knitting and sewing. She also enjoyed painting and she and Lee created wood projects together. Lee would carve the wood and she painted them. They enjoyed giving them as gifts. Shirley also enjoyed working on her computer. Shirley will be missed very much. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. Preceding her in death were her parents and one brother. Shirley is survived by her husband, Lee of Menahga; children, Renee Evenson, Michael Hotchkiss, Julie Johnson (Brian), all of Detroit Lakes, 9 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, brothers Roger (Chris) Kuha of California; Marvin Kuha of Menahga; and sister, Brenda (Jerry) Centner of Arizona. Memorial Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, December 7, 2013 at the Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka, MN with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Rachel Stout will officiate. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of her grand children and great-grandchildren. Inurnment will be at Meadow Apostolic Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.