In loving memory of

Shirley A. Christian
June 5, 1938 - October 17, 2009

Shirley A. Christian age 71 of Ames died Saturday, Oct. 17, at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. A gathering of Friends and family will be held Tuesday, Oct 20, 4:00 -- 8:00 PM at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414 Lincoln Way with a celebration of life service at 11:00 AM Wednesday, Oct. 21, at St. Andrews Lutheran Church 209 Colorado in Ames. Burial will be at a later date.

Shirley was born June 5, 1938 in Cedar Falls, Iowa the daughter of Carl P. and Edna (Miller) Miller. She graduated from Hudson High School and attended Wartburg College. Shirley married Allen E. Christian on December 12, 1959 in Cedar Falls the couple then moved to Ames. She was employed as a bank teller at University Bank and Trust before going to work at Iowa State Center as Assistant Box Office Manager retiring in 2000. She was a member of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church and Iowa State University Women's Club. She was a gourmet cook, enjoyed entertaining, a Cyclone Fan and helping family and friends organizing events.

Shirley is survived by her husband Allen, son Chad (Darsi) Christian of Ames, daughter Jennifer (Jim) Haidu of N. Barrington, IL four grandsons, Spencer and Parker Christian and Grant and Bennett Haidu, and one sister, Luella Larsen of Cedar Falls.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother.

Memorials may be directed to Caring Bridges website or St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Ames.

On line condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com


Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.

Tributes

Kathy Shaver wrote on Oct 21, 2009:

"A smile crossed my face each time I walked to the parking lot and saw Shirley's car with its personalized plate parked east of C Y. She was such a friendly, helpful person at the C Y ticket office. So sorry for your loss."

FRIENDS--JoAnn Hunting, Scott Griffin and Bryan Gr wrote on Oct 21, 2009:

"TO AL AND FAMILY, HOW MANY LIVES AL AND SHIRLEY INFLUENCED IN SUCH A POSITIVE WAY OVER THE YRS. BOTH OF MY BOYS HAD AL AS THEIR BASEBALL COACH, AND THAT IS THE WAY WE MET BOTH OF THEM NEARLY THIRTY YRS AGO. HOW COULD YOU NOT ADORE SUCH A GENTLE LOVING LADY. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR MANY FRIENDS, BUT WE ALL HAVE SUCH WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF HER. THANK YOU FOR SHARING HER W/US. "

Don & KC Hummel, Colleague of Al/friends of both wrote on Oct 21, 2009:

"Al and Family, Just now found out about Shirley. We are so sorry for your loss. We remember fondly all the teaching farm families and fun from the "good old days". Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. "

Randy Byford wrote on Oct 21, 2009:

"Al, I'm so sorry for your loss. Vernon called me this morning and told me about Shirley.I wish I could have been there with you today. Even though we dont talk as much as we should with each other, I've always held you and your family in the highest regard.You have been an inspiration to me ever since the first day I met you.I consider you family. Between you,Doc and Vernon , I felt like I could achieve anything In life I wanted. I always knew I had 3 extra dad's! How lucky can a man get. I've been blessed by your family's friendship. God bless you and your family, you will be in our prayers as you go through this difficult time. I will come see you as soon as I can. respectfully, Randy. "

Jerry Litzel wrote on Oct 21, 2009:

"Deal, I'm really sorry about Shirley.My mom and I will never forget her great smile at the University bank, hardware store, and else where. Jerry Litzel"

John W. (Jack) Patterson and wife Shirley; acquai wrote on Oct 21, 2009:

"We Remember Al and Shirley from our years (decades!)in Ames. We moved to Green Valley, AZ, in June of 2006 and send our sympathies from this distant venue. "

Friend wrote on Oct 21, 2009:

"Al & Family: Our sincerest sympathy to you during your time of loss. Ronald Lubben & Family"

Anne Pudenz Irlbeck wrote on Oct 21, 2009:

"Al & Family Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Take comfort is knowing that Shirley was a wonderful loving woman. Anne Pudenz Irlbeck & Family"

Karen Popelka friend of family wrote on Oct 21, 2009:

"My condolences to the family for your loss. Many, beyond the family, have kept you and your family in their prayers. May Shirley rest in peace. What loving memories you will cherish forever!"

Jay Harmon, colleague of Al wrote on Oct 20, 2009:

"Al- I'm so sorry for the loss of Shirley. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

Charlotte (Parmater) Brenning, Christian Family Fr wrote on Oct 20, 2009:

"Al, you have my most sincere sympathy. Watching the Tribute Video confirms that you will have many memories of your beautiful wife and the life you had together. Hang on to those memories...they will forever be precious to you and your family!"

Soo Greiman, a forever friend wrote on Oct 20, 2009:

"Al, Chad, Jennifer and families, My heartfelt sympathy. I know your hearts are breaking with your loss. Truly she was one of our Lords warmest creations, kind and so full of life. Shirley touched so many lives. May God bless you all in this sad time. "

Jack and Laurel McGonegle, Friend wrote on Oct 19, 2009:

"To Al and Family, We have only fond memories of Shirley. She was cool and always smiling. She will make us smile forever. "

Dee Lillie Luedtke wrote on Oct 19, 2009:

"To Al and family, I will remember Shirley as such a lady. She was warm, kind and considerate and always had a smile. Shirley had a welcoming way about her that people were just naturally drawn to. God Bless."