Shires, Helen Emmert

Helen Emmert Shires, 81, died peacefully in the Intensive Care Unit at Mercy Iowa City, Friday morning, Dec. 24, 2010, with her husband at her side. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, with Pastor Denny Coon officiating, assisted by her daughter, the Rev. Barbara Shires Blaisdell. Visitation will follow in the fellowship hall during a luncheon for all attending, served by the United Methodist Women.

Helen was born to Paul and Ruth Emmert in Mount Carroll, Ill., on July 18, 1929. She graduated from high school there, received a two-year certificate from Kendell College in Evanston, and a B.A. degree in primary education from Southwestern in Winfield, Kan. She then served three years as a missionary in Zimbabwe. She returned to Evanston, Ill., for a master's degree in religious education from Garrett Seminary and Northwestern University, where she also met and married in August 1956 her husband, Dale Shires. Together they spent a mission term in Zimbabwe.

While Dale enjoyed a career with ISU Extension from 1962-1995, Helen worked part-time in religious education, adult education and as a substitute teacher in Council Bluffs, Tripoli and Iowa City, then finished her working career in the financial aid office at the University of Iowa. She was a member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Iowa City.

Helen is survived by her husband; their daughter, Barbara (Chuck) Blaisdell, and sons, Steve (Cathy) Shires and Jim Shires; grandchildren, Micah (Christi) Taylor, Becca (Michael) DeWeese, Andrew Blaisdell, Katie Blaisdell, Sarah Shires, Alaina Shires, Nathan Shires, Chris Shires and Devin Shires; and three great-grandchildren. She also is survived by brother, Harold (Reva) Emmert; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lisle and Julia Shires; and sister-in-law, Pat Shires.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the St. Mark's UMC Memorial Fund.

Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web at

Arrangements are being made by Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service.