Shirley Jean Childress

Des Moines

Shirley Childress, 79, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at Scottish Rite Park. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday at McLaren’s Chapel with burial at Jordan Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Shirley was born October 22, 1933 in Ontario, Iowa to Charles and Ruth (Emmerson) Allard. She was a farmer’s wife, mother, and most importantly a grandma. Shirley loved God and her family and always wanted to be surrounded by them. She attended Heritage Assembly of God, Lakeside Fellowship and Simpson United Methodist Church.

Shirley enjoyed being in the tractor and working right alongside her husband, Gary Sr. and her son. Gary Jr. You could find her in the field either for the farming business or the gladiola business. She always had her grandkids with her and as the great-grandkids came along they were by her side as well. We all enjoyed Saturday night dinners with her. Shirley also loved going to Arizona for a while during the cold winter months with grandpa.

As she got older she became very involved with church groups such as the United Methodist Women dinners, ticket taking at church events. She also enjoyed traveling with the “Joy Group” at Simpson United Methodist Church. Shirley loved to play the penny slot machines and would travel with Marlys Stevens. Others hobbies included putting together puzzles, reading and sewing things to give to loved ones.

She is survived by two daughters, Judith E. Jackson and Joann Lee (Marion) Barker; son, Gary R. (Vicky) Childress, Jr.; six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Rick (Sheryl) Allard; and a sister, Sally (Phil) Erickson. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Gary R. Childress, Sr., sister, Esther Mork and two brothers, Kenny and David Allard.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at McLaren’s Chapel. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society.