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Shirley Ruth Maxwell

Shirley Ruth Maxwell

October 15, 1935 - December 14, 2023


Visitation

  • Date: December 18, 2023
  • Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: Champion Funeral Home - Osage, Iowa

Funeral Service

  • Date: December 19, 2023
  • Time: 11:00 a.m.
  • Location: United Methodist Church - St. Ansgar, Iowa

Burial

  • Date: December 19, 2023
  • Location: Osage Cemetery - Osage, Iowa

Shirley Ruth Maxwell, age 88, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on December 14, 2023, at Mitchell County Regional Healthcare Center in Osage, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at United Methodist Church in St. Ansgar with Martha Chancellor officiating. Burial will be at the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023, from 5:00 pm. to 7:00 p.m. at Champion Funeral Home in Osage. Shirley was born in Fairfield, Iowa on October 15, 1935, the daughter of Andy and Ruth (Morrill) Harrison. Shirley spent her formative years in Fairfield, where she received her education in the public schools. Shirley's professional journey included roles at Universal Producing Co. in Fairfield, Dunlap-Haakenson Insurance Agency, and the Osage Chamber of Commerce. She also served as a trial court clerk in the Office of Clerk of District Court. Beyond her career, Shirley found joy in various activities such as walking, golfing (earning many awards and trophies), and engaging in creative pursuits like sewing, knitting, painting, and crafting. She was an avid reader and cherished moments spent with family and friends. On November 27, 1955, Shirley married the love of her life, Richard Alan “Al” Maxwell, in Fairfield, Iowa. They began their life together in Fairfield, later moving to Traer in 1958, and finally settling in Osage in 1959. Post retirement, Shirley and Al spent winters in Harlingen, Texas, cultivating new friendships and indulging in activities like golfing, flea market shopping, and dancing. Al preceded her in death on July 13, 2002. Shirley was also preceded in death by her father, mother, brother William “Bill” Harrison, sister-in-law Lois Harrison, sister-in law Carol (Maxwell) Nemgar, brother in-law Fritz Nemgar, and infant son Mark Alan Maxwell. Shirley is survived by her sisters Carol (Bruce) Millhollin, Kay (Harvey) McCleary, Christy (Bob) Popejoy, and her loving children Susan Maxwell, Shari Wells, and Cynthia (Tracy) Johnson. Her memory lives on through her grandchildren Alyssa (Brett) Blazicek, Ryan Wells, Scott (Dominique) Wells, Steven Johnson, Chris Johnson, Courtney Johnson (partner Erik), and Lindsey James (fiancée Dan), as well as her six great-grandchildren. Active in her community, Shirley was a member of the First Christian Church in Fairfield, Iowa, the First United Methodist Church of Osage, Iowa, the hospital auxiliary of Mitchell County, the Naomi Circle at Osage First United Methodist, and the Sunny Brae Golf and Country Club. May her soul rest in peace. Champion Funeral Home, Osage, 641-732-3706,

 

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Kathy Schmidt-Aberg

December 22, 2023 - 4:33 PM

So sorry to hear of your loss. Your mother was a great woman. I have many memories from hanging out at your house. Prayers for your family at this difficult time.


Charles Klein

December 20, 2023 - 8:34 PM

My sympathy. I got to know Shirley when I moved into the same retirement park in Texas 10 years ago, having many nice visits with her at 6am coffee at the clubhouse. I quickly learned she loved to dance. I lost contact with her when she sold her trailer there, until 3 or so months ago when I got a friend request from her on Snapchat. I accepted and we snapped each other often. I sent her a lot of snaps of my granddaughter Ruth. She said that it made her smile because her middle name is Ruth. I’m sure glad she got a smile from it. I’m glad I had the privilege of knowing her!


Sonny and Pat Blanchard

December 20, 2023 - 3:27 PM

We only heard of Shirley's passing after all was done. We would have surely gone to the visitation at least. She became a good friend in the '60's when the Maxwell's lived near us in Osage. I know your memories of your mother will stay with you girls and give you joy and comfort.


Cathy Meili

December 19, 2023 - 3:23 PM

I am so sorry ! Shirley was a lovely lady. I met her when she was a companion to Bob Meili, my father-in-law. We had some uplifting (for me!) conversations, widow to widow. I will remember her with a smile!




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