Sharlene Brandes

Sharlene Heath Ahrens Brandes of Billings, Montana passed away Friday, September 10, 2010 after a long 25 year battle with breast cancer (1985). She was born June 24, 1938 in Shelby, Montana to Dale and Alma Heath.Sharlene attended school in Shelby and Phoenix, Arizona where she graduated from high school. She attended Montana State College in Bozeman for two years then became a graduate of Acme Beauty School in Billings.She was a very active hairdresser for 34 years. Part of that time she was the owner of Thee Beauty Shop and enjoyed her older clientele.She was a member of Montana State Cosmetology Association and served on the board for 15 years, two years as state president. She was a charter member of “Look Good, Feel Better Program” with the American Cancer Society, and also a member of the Billings Chamber of Commerce Blue Blazers, Global Grannies, Monday night breast cancer support group, Susan Komen Breast Cancer Race for the Cure, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and the Friday morning cancer support group. She was honored in 2002 by the YWCA for her help in starting the “Look Good, Feel Better Program” for the local American Cancer Society. She was an avid quilter, donating many quilts for fund raisers as well as for her friends. She assisted the Chefs Association in raising monies for the Riverstone Hospice House with their special gourmet dinners.Sharlene married Robert Ahrens in 1960 and was blessed with two children, Jana Anthony of Winchester, California and Steve Ahrens and his wife Julie of Shelby, three grandchildren, Dustin and Sharlle Ahrens and Brandi Anthony. Sharlenes greatest love was her family and grandchildren.In 1988 Sharlene married Gordon Brandes in Billings, Montana and traveled extensively with him.She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren and brother Bill (Sharon) Heath of Clark, Wyoming and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends.A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Cremation has taken place and her ashes will be buried with her mother, Alma Heath at a later date. Sharlene requested no flowers and that memorials may be made to Riverstone Hospice House, 123 South 27, Billings, Montana 59101.Dahl Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com.