In loving memory of

Shirley Maxine Bilyeu
August 21, 1934 - January 3, 2019

Shirley Maxine Bilyeu was born August 21, 1934, in Buffalo Center. She was the daughter of Joe and Alice (Heitland) Cline. She grew up near Buffalo Center where she attended and graduated from Buffalo Center High School.

Shirley was united in marriage to Leon Ray Bilyeu on November 10, 1952, in Algona. They lived in Algona for a short while before moving to an acreage west of town. She worked at Snap-on, Good Samaritan Society, and Algona Reminder.

Shirley enjoyed baking, cooking, reading, and the simple things in life. She was very caring and had a huge heart. She was also there to listen to others. She loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shirley passed Thursday, January 3, 2019, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines at the age of 84.

Shirley is survived by her children, Terry (Shelley) Bilyeu of Lost Island, Brad (Amy) Bilyeu of State College, PA, and Shannon (Billie Hartman) Bilyeu of Forest City; grandchildren, Shawn (Kelly) Bilyeu, Sarah (Tom) Smith, Sadie (Nick) Meyer, Jenny (Brian) Ernst, Justin (Mari) Ulrich, Cody (Christina) Bilyeu, Tyler Bilyeu, Chelsea Bilyeu, Marissa Bilyeu, Jenna Bilyeu, Jakob Bilyeu, and Freddy Bilyeu; 11 great-grandchildren, and brothers, Kenny (Mary Beth) Cline of Garner and Larry (Donna) Cline of Mason City.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon, parents, Joe and Alice; sons, Richard and Scott; and sisters Darlene Schlette and Janice Bilyeu.

Tributes

Kenny & Mary Ann Studer wrote on Jan 8, 2019:

"to all of her family sorry for your love one loss. Kenny worked with her at Snap -On for years"

Jenna Maxine Bilyeu wrote on Jan 8, 2019:

"It's so hard to believe that your gone. You have always been there for me.I am so happy that my parents named me after you. I will love you forever. "

Rose Santee wrote on Jan 7, 2019:

"Shirley was a special person who will be missed by her family and friends. We want to extend our sympathy to her family. Neal and Rose Santee"

Bill Bell wrote on Jan 6, 2019:

"My deepest sympathies to you all. Treasure your memories "

Marie Cook wrote on Jan 6, 2019:

"Brad and Terry and family, so sorry for your loss. Prayers are with all"

Joyce Wagner wrote on Jan 5, 2019:

"So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Shirley at Snap-0n. She will be missed by so many."

Julie Pesicka wrote on Jan 5, 2019:

"Shirley was my best friend at Snap-on. I lost track of her after I got laid off. The family has my deepest sympathy. She will be missed by many."

Shannon bilyeu wrote on Jan 4, 2019:

"To the best mom ever.ill miss for ever.love you mom"

Cody Bilyeu wrote on Jan 4, 2019:

"The world is a tough place, and at times like this, it seems so unfair. Today we lost one of the kindest, most generous, and loving ladies around, my Grandma Bilyeu. Growing up with separated parents, she was basically a second parent to me in many ways. We use to spend pretty much every weekend with her growing up out at the farm. When I think back, a lot of my childhood memories have her in them - and that is what I can hold on to. I am going to miss visiting her - already knowing we would order pizza for lunch before I even got there - one of our favorites; I?m going to miss sitting and chatting for hours and drinking a pot or 3 of coffee; and most of all, I?m going to miss being able to pick up the phone and call her to talk about anything with an open ear and no judging one way or another. A few days ago, she told me she was so proud of me and what I have accomplished. That?s the type of person grandma was, never thinking of herself first, even if she was in pain or struggling, she always put others first in her final days. She put up a tough, tough fight, but after 13 days in ICU, her body was just to weak to pull out of it. Until I see you again Grandma, love you."

Sue Murphy wrote on Jan 4, 2019:

"You have our deepest sympathy"