Shirley L. Schmitt

Chariton – Shirley Schmitt, 77, passed away peacefully Monday the 20th of April at her home surrounded by family and friends. She was born March 26, 1943 in West Bend, IA, to Louie and Esther Schafer.

On June 18, 1961, she was united in marriage to Robert L. Schmitt in West Bend, Iowa.  To this union were born two daughters, Dawn Kaspar of Prescott, Arizona and Debra Rogers (Brent) of Nevada, Texas.  Robert and Shirley lived in West Bend until moving to Algona, Iowa.  In Algona they purchased and ran the Colonial Motel and Burr Oak Motel until both of the girls graduated from high school.  At that time they enjoyed living in different parts of Iowa, Illinois and Arkansas where mom enjoyed working as a licensed optical technician.  She took great pride in her job and was often complimented on her compassionate care for the customers and her loving smile.  Upon retirement Robert and Shirley moved to Richardson, Texas where they resided for 5 years before returning to Iowa in 2018. 

Shirley’s hobbies included cooking and baking, crafts, sewing and spending time with her friends and family. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Marvin Schafer (Cynthia).

Shirley is survived by her husband of 59 years, Robert; daughters Dawn and Debra; five grandchildren Kyle Tilton (Melody), Megan Tilton, Katie Tilton, Holli Herrick and Nolan Herrick; one great grandson Cashten Torres; sister Tami Beaty (Mike) and brother Charles Schafer (Joann).    

A memorial service will be held at a later time. 

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