Frees, Shirley Ann

Our dear mother, Shirley Ann Frees, 86, formerly of Oxford, passed away Aug. 22, 2012. A celebration of Shirley's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 27, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oxford, with Father Edmond Dunn officiating. Shirley will join her husband, Jeep, at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Oxford. Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26, at the Oxford Chapel of Gay & Ciha Funeral Service.

Shirley Ann Sommers was born July 22, 1926, in Kalona, Iowa, the only child of Sadie (Barnes) Sommers Specht and Clifford W. Sommers. Following her graduation from Oxford High School she married Leonard “Jeep” Frees on Aug. 23, 1945, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oxford. Jeep and Shirley lived the majority of their lives in Oxford and were long time members of St. Mary's. Her dear husband passed away in 1974.

Shirley was involved in social activities at St. Mary's Church as well as the local school in Oxford. She and Jeep loved bowling and were members of a number of leagues in the area. They also enjoyed fishing and get-togethers with extended family. As a couple they were also fond of baseball and eating at their favorite restaurant, The Lark, in Tiffin. Shirley was also an associate member of the Pilgrim Chapter NSDAR in Iowa City.

Shirley and Jeep raised five children who all survive to mourn her: Cheryl Westfall (Jeff), Kathy Wiebold, Thomas Frees (Ardeth), Richard Frees (Kathy) and Vicki Frees. Survivors also include her sister, Frankie Specht Honn (Jim); 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Shirley suffered a debilitating stroke over 40 years ago which took her voice and many of her physical abilities. She never gave up fighting to come as far as she could after that event. Her family and friends witnessed how she committed herself to being very self-sufficient. The last half of her life here on earth was a struggle and that struggle has passed. It is our amazing mother's turn to be at peace, to have her voice again and to be complete. In heaven will she find that peace with the rest of her family that has gone before her.

Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jeep; both parents; an infant daughter, Ellen; and her stepfather, Theodore G. Specht. All have welcomed her into heaven.

The family wishes to especially thank the staff of the following: Emerson Point Assisted Living, Colonial Manor of Amana, Iowa Hospice and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Memorial donations can be made in Shirley's memory to St. Mary's Catholic Church of Oxford or Iowa Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent for her family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com.

Published Aug. 25, 2012 in The Gazette