Shirley (Zahn) Oyen

Our beloved Shirley Jean Oyen went home to be with Jesus peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones on December 22, 2024.  Services will be held at 10:00 AM CDT, Monday, December 30, 2024, at New Life Church, Beulah with Pastor Justin Werven officiating.  Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Sunday, at Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah.  Burial will follow at a later date.  

She was born on March 3, 1961 to Lois and Marvin Zahn.  She grew up on the family farm in Westhope, ND with her seven siblings.  After graduation, she moved to Williston, ND where she raised her two sons, Andy and Kristopher with Blaine. 

Shirley was many things in her life. A wife, a partner, a mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and a friend. She was a manager of several restaurants, stores, and hotel banquet halls. She volunteered at church, served our local seniors' meals, and baked for this community.  She was a great cook, but it was a great act of love that was so much more.

Shirley’s passion in the kitchen was rooted in her love for people. God is intentional with the way he created us, and he created her with a servant heart to bless people with her food.   Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” She knew what God put into her, and she ran with it.

She didn’t just say it, she believed it. She lived it.  This is Shirley’s legacy. The living example of what it means to serve God, by serving His people. Her faith in Him was so bold, that she wouldn’t let anything stop her from serving.

Shirley also knew how much God loved her. Through her many doctor and hospital visits over the years, her constant response to a challenge was “God’s got this.”  She would want you to know that He loves you too.   

Left to cherish her memory is her son, Kristopher (Aimee) Oyen of Beulah, ND, and daughter in law Amber Oyen of Bismarck, ND.  Her siblings: Cheryl Zahn, Gary (Shawn) Zahn, Larry (LeRiesa) Zahn, Ilene Zahn, and Butch (Bev) Zahn, former spouse Blaine Oyen,   her grandchildren: Austin Hunt, Braden Fritel, Isabella Oyen, Cameron Lemere, Tristin Oyen, Ava Oyen, Meliyah Syed, Gunnar Oyen, Emelyn Oyen, Benjamin Arndt, Benntlee Arndt, and Asher Arndt, and her partner of many years Audie Arndt and his son Ben (Amelia) Arndt. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, David Zahn, and son Andrew Oyen.  

Arrangements conducted by Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah and Hazen.

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