Shirley Ann Brown

Shirley Ann Brown came into this world on the 6th day of December in 1931 in Algona, Iowa; one of twelve children born to Clarence Roy and Nellie Carlson McVeigh.  I’m sure it was a bitterly cold day, because Algona is located in the north central part of Iowa and it most certainly shaped Shirley’s dislike of cold weather.

Shirley grew up in Iowa and married a fellow Iowan, Lyle Keith Brown on December 30, 1950 in Fort Dodge.  Their family soon grew to include two daughters, Cheryl and Jeannette.  Shirley, who was an accomplished seamstress, sewed all of her daughter’s clothing, making everything from the slips that they wore under their dresses to special coats for Easter.  She also spent many hours working in the garden and canned most of the items that she grew.

On the outside, Shirley looked like a typical homemaker, however underneath was a woman who was not afraid of hard work.  While Lyle was employed with various farms doing custom work for the area farmers; Shirley could be found working alongside her husband, operating everything from a tractor to a combine, making sure the crops were harvested on time.

It was on a drive to visit family in Arkansas, that Lyle and Shirley discovered the beauty of the Ozarks.  Lyle was absolutely amazed at the landscape full of trees, so  in 1973 the Brown’s moved from Iowa and purchased property in Stover, Missouri. It was in Stover that they joined the Christ Lutheran Church; remaining faithful members for the rest of their lives.

With her family grown, Shirley decided it was time to go back to work so she waited tables at Mary’s Restaurant before becoming a nurse’s aide where she worked at the Golden Age Nursing Home in Stover.

Lyle and Shirley looked forward to winters in Yuma, Arizona, because Shirley really didn’t like the cold.  She never lost her love of sewing and working in the garden and she especially enjoyed spoiling her grandkids with her homemade treats.

Early Sunday morning, December 20, 2020 at the Golden Age Living Center, where she had spent so many years caring for others, Shirley peacefully passed away.

She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Howser of Stover; a son-in-law, Jim Lewis of Stover; a sister, Mary Simmons of Roach; four grandchildren; five great grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved Lyle on January 23, 2004, her youngest daughter, Jeannette Lewis; her granddaughter, Lindsay Heman; her son-in-law, Tom Howser; seven brothers, Paul, Phillip, Ronald, Donald, Charles “Buddy”, Russell and Milton “Elbert” McVeigh and three sisters, Joyce McVeigh, Helen Elliott and Erma Morgan.

In keeping with her wishes she was cremated.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30,  at the Christ Lutheran Church in Stover with funeral  services beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the Christ Lutheran Church in Stover with Pastor Tom Tuura officiating.

Burial will be in the St. John’s Cemetery-Boeschenville.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Christ Lutheran Church.   In keeping with Morgan County Health Department guidelines, social distancing will be observed.

.

Visitation Christ Lutheran Church Wednesday, December 30, 2020 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 505 West Second Street
Stover, MO 65078

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Christ Lutheran Church.

Social distancing will be observed.

Directions Funeral Service Christ Lutheran Church Wednesday, December 30, 2020 2:00 PM 505 West Second Street
Stover, MO 65078 Directions