Carsten, Mrs. Shirley Jean

Mrs. Shirley Jean Casten of Clarinda, slipped quietly away to her heavenly home Friday, Aug. 2, 2013.

Originally from Shenandoah, Shirley was born Oct. 2, 1928, to Bernice (Adams) and Orval Mullison. Mrs. Casten graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1947 and then attended UNO.

In 1953, Shirley married H. J. (Doc) Casten and they had resided in Cedar Rapids for nearly 50 years. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Casten moved to Clarinda to be near family.

Shirley is survived by two children, John (Jane) Kovarik of Gladstone, Mo. and Ms. Terri Polick of Bryantown, Md. She was the proud grandmother of five grandchildren, Jessica, Joanna and Jake Kovarik and Danielle and Coty D'Aleo; and a great-grandson, Jack Dunagan.

Also surviving are brothers, Dick (Ardene) Mullison of Casper, Wyo., Chuck Lynn of Morgan Hill, Calif. and Jerry (Betty Ruth) Lynn of Fredericksburg, Va.; and one sister, Sue (Chuck) Schaub of Bedford.

Preceding her in death were her husband, H. J. (Doc) Casten; parents, Orval Mullison and Bernice and Elbert Lynn; and sister, Betty Lynn Gregory.

Graveside services will be held at a later date in Morning Sun, Iowa.

Suggested memorials would be the Clarinda Foundation or Heartland Hospice of Red Oak.

Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda is in charge of the arrangements.

Published in The Gazette Aug. 7, 2013.