Shirley Y. Fitzgerald
February 20, 2014
Shirley Y. (Fritch) Fitzgerald was born May 11, 1942, the daughter of Charles and Ruth Fritch. She was reunited with them on February 20, 2014 at the Mercy Hospice in Johnston.
Shirley graduated from Boone High School and the Iowa College of Beauty. As her cosmetology business grew she eventually became the owner/operator of the Franklin Plaza Beauty Salon in Des Moines. She enjoyed life-long friendships with many of her customers. After ending that career she transitioned to becoming a Pharmacy Technician for Dahl’s; first at the Merle Hay location and later at the Waukee store. She loved her fellow co-workers and customers and never knew a stranger.
In addition to her Bible Studies classes with BSF, Shirley had numerous hobbies and crafts including cross-stitch and painting. As a military spouse, she was proud of her country and was the best “wingman” an airman could ever have. She was a warm, caring person who will be missed.
Survivors include her best friend and husband of thirty-nine years, Gary; siblings, Mary Lou (George) Olauson of Des Moines, Joan Sauer of Boone; and numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Charlene Stewart and infant sister, Ellen.
Funeral services will be held at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in West Des Moines on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa. Arrangements are being handled by Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Iowa Donor Network, St. Jude’s Children’s hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Greg Schwab
02/27/2014
Gary, my sincere condolences. I hope that great memories provide some measure of consolation in your sorrow.
Dennis & Rose Billings
02/25/2014
Gary, we were saddened to hear of Shirley's passing. My the memories of so many wonderful years be of comfort to you and help you during this difficult period. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sandie Norton
02/24/2014
Col Fitzgerald
I am so sorry to read of the passing of Shirley, your wife, best friend, and soul mate.
Shirley has gone home to be with God. She is free from all pain and disease. The pain is felt by those left behind.
May you fill the hole in your heart with only the special memories you and Shirley created and shared together.
My warmest thoughts
Terry & Donna Freed
02/24/2014
So sorry for your loss Gary.
Fred Chabot
02/24/2014
Gary, I just learned about Shirley's death and want you to know how sorry I am for your loss. I can emphathize with you because my wife passed away last November 16th. I know that the days ahead will be very difficult for you. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn and Dick Hankinson
02/24/2014
Gary: We were sad to read of Shirley's death. We, Marilyn especially, enjoyed her friendship over the years. Hang in there yourself.
Jim and Marlene Histand
02/24/2014
Dear Gary, We knew Shirley just a few years having gotten acquainted as neighbors when you purchased the house in sunny AZ. We were friends from the start. We enjoyed her love of life, her smile, her tenacity and how she handled difficulty. She was amazing. God bless you as you manage your great loss and your memories. She would want you to go on. Yes, weep a little, but smile and go on. Phillippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory.
Gordon and Jill Martens
02/24/2014
Gary, we just heard of Shirley's passing (we are currently out of state) and our hearts go out to you. Our most sincere sympathy as you grieve her loss. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8 Gordon and Jill
Norman Dare
02/23/2014
Col Fitz, trust that the friends you've made over the years will somehow console you in this dark time. My deepest sympathy my friend.
Roger Dorr
02/23/2014
Gary, so sorry about your loss of Shirley. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rhonda Smith
02/22/2014
Gary, sorry to hear about Shirley's passing. I know you will be strong, there are lots of friends and family to lean on during this time. I lost Dan almost 4 years ago, and I think of him a million times a day, as I know you will Shirley. In Sympathy, Rhonda
Steve Van Every
02/22/2014
Gary, words cannot express how saddened I was to hear of Shirley's passing. I'm sorry I hadn't kept in better contact with both of you. She carried a special place in my thoughts prior, and after her transplant. I somehow felt closer to my brother after I had spent some time with Shirley. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and after things quiet down I'm always available for lunch.
Steve
Mike VandeLune
02/22/2014
Col. Fitz, so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you during this rough part of your life.