Shirley M. Stevens, 88, of West Des Moines, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at Rowley Masonic Community in Perry, Iowa. Shirley was born on October 22, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois to John and Florence (Solmenski) Gill. Shirley married Neil on May 13, 1950 and together they raised 10 children.
Her fondest memories growing up were being at the lake with her grandparents learning how to clean fish, ice skating, and roller skating. Shirley’s early ambitions were to be a nurse. Some of Shirley’s proudest family moments were her grandchildren all graduating high school and two completing graduate school. Her cherished accomplishments were raising 10 healthy children, owning Steven’s deli, and sharing her life with Neil for the last 69 years. In her pastime, Shirley enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, reading, gardening, and bird watching. What made Shirley smile was watching her grandchildren play and grow up.
Left behind to cherish her memory are 10 children, 23 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren: son,
Mark (Joan) Stevens, grandchildren, Jennifer (Tom) Huston, Jacque (David) Brisson, Janell (Nicholas) Peterson, and Joanna Stevens, and great-grandchildren, Redican and Rory Huston, Eluse and Chole Brisson, and Hudson and Hazel Peterson; daughter, Lynn Stevens, grandchildren, Marie Campbell, Tegan (Dori) Campbell, and Erin (Peter) Walker, and great-grandchildren, Darnell and Denvon Brown, Zoe and Declan Campbell, and Letti and Quinn Walker; daughter, Paula Connolly (Duane Miller), grandchildren, Lindsey Weiman, Nicholas (Justine) Connolly, Danielle (Matt) Connolly, and Arron Connolly, and great-grandchild, Norah Hoger; daughter, Sharon Stevens; son, John Stevens; son, Greg Stevens, grandchildren, Ben, Barton, and Brandon Brasham, and Jared Stevens; son, Rick Stevens; daughter, Laurie (Jeff) Hammer, grandchildren, Jasen and Ashlee Hammer; daughter, Jaymie Stevens (Dayne Gilbert),and grandchildren, Austin and Evan Gilbert; and daughter, Patricia (Patrick) Williams, grandchildren, Katelyn (Rian) Moe, Jermy, Samantha, and Ethan Williams, and grandchild, Mia Moe. Shirley also leaves behind her sibling, Charles Gill and was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, John Gill.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution can be directed to the Basilica of St. John, the Food Bank of Iowa Des Moines Chapter, the American Heart Association or St. Croix Hospice.
