Shirley Sibilrud

Shirley Ann Farrow Sibilrud

February 25, 1930 – April 16, 2025

Shirley Ann Farrow Sibilrud, 95, of Hartland, Minnesota and Tavares, Florida passed away on April 16, 2025. Though her passing was unexpected, her life was a long, vibrant journey marked by love, laughter, and quiet strength.

Born in Elmore, Minnesota on February 25, 1930, Shirley was raised in the greater Hartland area and made it her lifelong home, aside from extensive winter retreats to Texas and Florida.

She attended 1st grade at Kiester Country School, later Hartland Elementary, and graduated from Freeborn High School. She treasured her lifelong friendships, especially her cherished “Birthday Club,” a group of school friends who remained close for nearly a century.

At just six years old, Shirley met Kenneth Sibilrud in grade school—he was ten. Their childhood friendship turned into a love story. They married on January 23, 1949 at Hartland Lutheran Church and shared a partnership filled with devotion, ballroom dancing, community engagement, Bible studies, and Entrepreneurship.

After Kenny’s return from serving in World War II, they became operators/owners of the family grocery store Sibilrud Cardinal in Hartland, which became a beloved local gathering place for more than three decades. Shirley was the steady and selfless backbone of the business, all while raising three rowdy sons.

Shirley saw the good in everyone and lived with unwavering compassion and quiet courage, even after losing Kenny far too young; she became a widow at the age of 58.

In 2024 her youngest son Rob succumbed to Muscular Dystrophy. Shirley was caregiver extraordinaire to many others, including her own parents and many precious family and friends.

Before marriage Shirley attended the Minneapolis School of Business, a women’s college affiliated with the University of Minnesota, and worked as a secretary for Midway Motor Company. She later went on to travel extensively, peel loads of potatoes, play many games of cards, and embrace life’s adventures with a steady heart and curious spirit.

Shirley was truly an Earth Angel—gracious, wise, and endlessly kind. She had a dry sense of humor, always ready with a knowing smile or a quick laugh. She made those around her feel seen, valued, and loved.

She is survived by her sons, Tim Sibilrud and Terry Sibilrud; daughters-in-law Jean Sibilrud of Tavares, FL, and Judy Sibilrud of Hartland, MN. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Grant Sibilrud (and his children Corbin, Carlee, and Carson) of Windermere, FL; Tyra Stapleton (husband Matt, and daughters Nora and Lyla) of Wisconsin; and Anna Sibilrud-Willis (husband Mike, and children Isaac and Sienna) of Tavares, FL.

She is also lovingly remembered by nieces and nephews: Marshane Lindstrom (Erik), Cheryl Weber (Jessica and Mason), Lori Farrow (Samantha and Max), Leon Farrow (Allison), Larry Farrow (Louis Farrow), and John Mork and Ann (Kristina, Josh, and Michael).

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Kenneth; her parents, Louis and Anna Farrow; her brother Lerald Farrow; sister-in-law LaFaye Farrow, her daughter-in-law Beth Sibilrud; and her son Robert Sibilrud.

Shirley’s life was a masterclass in quiet resilience, generous love, and timeless grace. Her spirit lives on in every laugh she sparked, every heart she warmed, and every life she touched.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Hartland, MN on Thursday, July 17 at 2 p.m.