Shirley Santee

SHIRLEY A. SANTEE

Cedar Rapids

Shirley A. Santee, 74, of Cedar Rapids, died Dec. 31, 2015, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Teahen Chapel in Walford by Pastor Carroll Slaton of the Cowboy Church.

Friends may visit with the family at Teahen Chapel in Walford on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday after 9:30 a.m.

Shirley is survived by her children, Terry (Ranae) Slaughter of El Reno, Okla., Tammy (Roy) Elledge of Moore, Okla., Tracy (Mark) Murphy, Tonja (Marty) Slaughter, Tom (Bobbie) Slaughter, Shannon (Kirby) Santee, Donnie (Crystal) Santee, all of Cedar Rapids, and James (Stephanie) Santee of Bertram; grandchildren, Donnie, Brandon, Shannan, Tiara, Shane, Sierra, Gentry, Levi, Andrew, Candice, Justin, Marcus, Karsin, Kyle, Elise, Thomas, Nathan, Emily, Immanuel, Bryar, Mason, Keanan, Kierra, Amrie, Addisen, Macie, Kinzy, Donnie, Kylee, Elizabeth and Chloey; great- grandchildren, Kasey, Natalie, MyKynzy, Shirleigh, Whitney, Garrett, Ayden, Dayvean, Troyce, Sydney, Sadie, Miaha, Elijah, Hudson, Madden, Emmett, Briella, Leyton, Marx, Reagan, Justice, Aniyah, Kingston, Deegan, Thomas, Zachary and Macsen; sister, Barb (Tootie) of Fairfax; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Rosalee, Marilyn, Sandy, Janet and Ronnie; and so many more whom she cared for as her own.

Shirley was preceded in death by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Nellie (Allen) Olhauser and Linda (Ed) Longfellow; brother, Pat Sterling; grandson, Jon Kelly; great-granddaughter, Carley Shanahan; and dear friends, Linda (Little Bit), Cathy Stickley, Peggles and more.

Shirley Annette was born July 13, 1941, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of John and Mary Miner Marsh, and devoted her life to family, friends and her God.

Shirley overcame many obstacles being a single parent. She lost her home in 2008 which moved her to "Compound" (as she called it) Linwood, where she became the pastor and was inspirational in so many people's lives. She was a member of the Cowboy Church which became part of her family.

Shirley enjoyed her family more than anything! Some of her other hobbies and passions included bingo, rearranging her home, cooking and baking, crocheting and crafts, camping and fishing, traveling with friends and family and attending her grandchildren's events.

Shirley always made time for others and was certain to have their needs met before her own. She impacted many lives and created wonderful memories and stories for so many to share. Shirley's relationship and commitment with the Lord has inspired so many others to believe. This was one of Shirley's greatest accomplishments in life. Her strength to raise eight children on her own was through her belief and trust in the Lord.

Shirley's smile could warm up any room and she had the biggest heart of all. She had a sense of humor, loved a good joke and wanted us to share that she drove without a license for the last 30 years (rebel).

No matter how tough times may have been, she was always able to point out the positive and make people laugh with her witty jokes. Shirley was able to see the best in everyone and was not quick to judge as she knew the struggles of life.

One of her last requests was for there to be love and forgiveness among her family and friends. Shirley wants us all to continue to honor the Lord. Shirley had no favorites, just love for all.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.teahen

funeralhome.com.