Schwartz, Shirley Ann

Shirley Ann Schwartz, 84, died Monday, Dec. 16, 2013, at Rock Ridge Care Center in Shellsburg following a brief illness. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at First Christian Church with the Rev. Connie Wacht officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday. Interment will be in Garrison Cemetery, Garrison, Iowa.

Shirley was born Sept. 16, 1929, on a farm southwest of Mount Auburn, Iowa, the daughter of Earl Alvin and Eunice Emma Noe Harwood. She graduated from Dysart High School on a Friday night in May 1948, and the following Monday she started working at the Benton County Bank & Trust Company in Vinton.

On Jan. 7, 1949, Shirley was united in marriage with Alfred Schwartz in Dysart and to this union, four children were born. Once the children were in school, Shirley went back to work at the Benton County Bank & Trust Company and later worked at the Palo Savings Bank. She was always Alfred's “right hand hired man” in the farming operation. Shirley was also a matron for the Benton County Sheriff's Office for 15 years.

Shirley was a member of First Christian Church in Vinton and taught Sunday school. She was a 75 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed crafts and gardening.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 64 years, Alfred Schwartz of Vinton; three daughters, Dianne (Greg) Hanson of Decorah, Roxann (Gary Rees) Schwartz of Guthrie Center and LuAnn (Dan) Hilton of Newhall; one son, Gene (Chris) Schwartz of Shellsburg; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one grandson, Alan John Schwartz.

A memorial fund has been established.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Shirley and her family.

Condolences may be left at .

Published in The Gazette Dec. 18, 2013.