Shirley Ann Darling

SHIRLEY ANN DARLING

Cedar Rapids

Shirley Ann Darling died peacefully on Jan. 30, 2020, in Elsberry, Mo., after a year of dealing with peripheral arterial disease. The folks at Elsberry Health Care Center cared for her lovingly and filled her last days with laughter and friendship.

Shirley was born Jan. 27, 1942, to Asa and Regina Wilson of Cedar Rapids. She attended Trinity Lutheran School, graduated from Washington High School, and later obtained a degree at Shoals Community College. On Sept. 16, 1959, she married Daniel Stephen Michael Darling, the love of her life. Before she began having children she worked for a time at Collins Radio. She loved to spend time listening to her husband's grand plans and taking care of her family.

An avid crossword puzzler, Shirley was a worthy Scrabble opponent in her day. She also loved to watch old T.V. shows and mysteries. She had a good sense of humor and often made people laugh unexpectedly - especially those caring for her in her final years.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen; her daughter, Venus Hargett; and her son, Stephen Darling. 

She is survived by her sons, Dean (Judy) Darling of Marion and Brian Darling of Hiawatha; her daughters, Angela (Hector) Lopez of Cedar Rapids and Danielle (Nathan) Tippy of Troy, Mo.; her sisters, Dorothy Clary of El Paso, Texas, and Carol Fioravanti of Scarsdale, N.Y.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Jeremiah, Jessica, Samantha, Erika, Adriana, Molly, Daniela, Bethany, David, Deborah, Rebekah, Joshua and Jonathan; and great-grandchildren, Justin, Emma, Sufya, Layla, Jayla and Mikayla.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home, 4200 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. Visitation is from 1 to 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the family.