Carolyn Shields
November 25, 2013
Carolyn Rose Shields, 86 years, longtime resident of Ankeny, Iowa, peacefully passed from this life on 29 November 2013, with her sons at her side. Visitation will be at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines, at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 4, 2013, with funeral services beginning at 12:00 pm. Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens.
Carolyn was the youngest of three daughters of Amos (Loyd) and Iva(Lila) Adams, and was born near Hopeville, Iowa, on August 11, 1927. She spent her entire youth in the Murray area and married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Shields, on June 29, 1946. They shared 66 wonderful years together, displaying uncommon love and affection for each other until Robert passed at age 86 in 2013.
Carolyn was a devoted wife and an active and engaged mother of three, and lived a full and wonderful life, always committed to her family. She was a woman whose life was built around support for others. She took pride in being a bookkeeper and was also a homemaker in the proudest sense of the word; providing a welcoming home for family, friends, and neighbors. She had many roles in life, but her most important were those of a loving spouse, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She met the challenges of aging and loss in later life with courage and a tough attitude.
During their long retirement Carolyn and Bob enjoyed traveling and especially to Toy Tractor Shows where they made many close friends. She also enjoyed animals, domestic and wild, and loved traveling to national parks to watch the great western herds of deer, antelope, and buffalo. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. One of her greatest joys was the gathering of her family for holiday meals which she planned to perfection many weeks in advance.
Those left to honor and cherish her memory include their children; Gary Robert and wife Mary (Indianola, IA); John Steven and wife Lynda (Earlham, IA); and Rebecca Ann and husband Brad Heckman (Kansas City, MO). Also surviving are her grandchildren, Michael (Kristin) and Erin (Nestor) Tarango (Gary);Jeff and Kimi (Chad) Mease (John); Daniel and Shelby (Rebecca); two great-granddaughters, Addison (Kimi) and Hannah Rose (Erin); her sisters Darleen Brooks and Evie Booth, and sister-in-law Marge and husband Dick Moberly. She is fondly remembered by her many friends in the community and across the Midwest.
The family wishes to profoundly thank the wonderful staff at Vintage Hills Retirement Community and staff from St. Jude’s Hospice for the compassionate and loving care and support they provided Carolyn and her family. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Hospice of Des Moines.
Remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Carolyn’s obituary at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Kenny Westby
12/09/2013
Becky, Im so sorry to hear of your Mothers passing. Your parents are wonderful people who loved you very much; have peace knowing they are reunited again. God Bless you Becky.
Shelli Lashbrooke Schmidt
12/04/2013
My friends, I am so sorry to hear of her passing away. All of you are close to my heart and she is has gone on to be with Bob. Prayers for tomorrow for strength and peace. God takes and rebuilds the chain of family as each one ascends. May she be comforted and reunited with her husband and all of those that have left this plane to greet her in heaven. My heart is heavy and sad for your family, love to all. Fair winds Carolyn, you are missed here in our time...love!
Becky Monaghan
12/03/2013
I am so sorry to hear of Carolyn's passing. I met her at Shear Style and stayed in touch when her stylist left and went out on her own. She was an amazingly strong woman with a wonderful sense of humor. She was so kind and easy to talk to and when we would talk she would talk to me like a daughter giving me advice. I know how much she loved Robert. She talked about him a lot to me and about her family. One more thing, she had a very strong faith which I admired. I know she is in heaven rejoicing that she with her "Bob" May God comfort each of you and help you to remember the wonderful times you had with your mom & dad. Sincerely yours Becky Monaghan
Diane Silver
12/03/2013
Gary, John, and Becky:
So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember all the great memories of living next door to you and your folks on Scott Street! It's the memories that you will hold onto...now and especially later.
May God bless you and your families.
Evelyn &Sam Booth
12/02/2013
Dear family, Sam and my thoughts are with you. Sam will be at visitation and funeral service Wednesday. Evelyn