Shirley L. Kent

A Life Remembered and Cherished…

Shirley Louise Bishop Kent was born on a farm south of Woodburn, Iowa on December 25, 1928 to Dave and Nora Bishop. Shirley passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. She was one of twelve children. Shirley attended Redwing Rural School through eighth grade and graduated from Lacona High School as part of the Class of 1948. While in high school Shirley worked as a waitress and a rural telephone operator to help purchase her clothing and books.

Shirley was united in marriage to Keith Kent on March 13, 1949 at the home of her older sister, Wilda Clark, in Lacona, Iowa. Keith and Shirley recently celebrated 70 years of marriage.
To this union four children were born: Daniel Eugene, Victoria Louise, Mary Beth, and Oscar Kevin. In 1950 Keith and Shirley started a soil conservation business for farmers which later developed into a successful construction business known as Keith E. Kent, Inc. Together they operated this business for 35 years. Shirley maintained the books, managed the office, and kept Keith in line over the two-way radio.

Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Shirley showed her love through her cooking, baking, quilting, and gardening. Everyone loved to see Shirley walk into a family gathering with one of her famous pies, tea rings, or homemade rolls. Shirley’s talents in these areas will live on in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who continue to use her recipes today. Each grandchild is blessed to have received a quilt made by Shirley when they were married and each great grandchild received a quilt upon their birth. All members of the family look forward to receiving a hand written birthday card from Shirley every year.

Throughout her 90 years of life Shirley’s strong presence could be felt throughout the community of Lucas. Shirley served as a Sunday school teacher and board member of the Lucas Presbyterian Church where she and Keith were longtime members. Shirley was a 4-H leader when her children were active in 4-H. Keith and Shirley, along with other community members, helped to establish the Lucas Betterment Committee which continues to serve the community of Lucas. Shirley served tirelessly in the Lucas Community Center kitchen and volunteered weekly at the John L. Lewis museum. For those who don’t know, Shirley was a bit of a legend at the Lucas Farmers and Miners Bank. Her quick thinking assisted in the apprehension of two criminals who robbed the bank while Shirley was there for business.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents and ten of her siblings. Left to cherish Shirley’s memories are her husband, Keith, her four children Daniel (Deb), Victoria (Ron) Boyd, Mary Beth (Gary) Boyd, Kevin (Debbie), her nine grandchildren, Aaron (Jody) Boyd, Danica (Chris) Harris, Ryan Boyd, Derek (Kelli) Kent, Nicholas (Kristen) Boyd, Jody (Tanner) Sandy, Natalie (David) Braun, Abbey (Randy) Metzger, Kayla (Brandon) Bond, 22 great-grandchildren and her sister, Jean Chipp.

Shirley’s life will be celebrated as follows: Visitation from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, July 21, 2019 at Fielding Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa. Funeral service to be held Monday, July 22, 2019 at 10:30 am at Fielding Funeral Home. Graveside burial service to immediately follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Lucas, Iowa. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be given to the Lucas Presbyterian Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley L. Kent, please visit our floral store.