Shirlee Burgess

Shirlee Mae Burgess, 80, died Thursday, June 26, 2008 at home. She had been battling ovarian cancer for 5 years but it was her large heart, so filled with love and compassion for her family, friends and community that put her to her final rest. She did not let the illness define her as the staff at Stoddard Cancer Center can testify. She remained active in Grandview Lutheran Church, VFW Post 9662 Auxiliary, Questor’s Antique Club and her TOPS weight group.
Shirlee was born and raised in Anita, Iowa and is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Irene Linfor; sister, Francis, who died at the age of 12 and an infant son, Richard. She moved to Des Moines and married Harry R. Burgess in 1948. Shirlee worked as a secretary and bookkeeper in Des Moines most of her adult life. She worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, the Iowa Legislature and the last seventeen years at the Iowa Federation of Labor, before retiring in 1989.
She was a devoted Democrat and workhorse volunteer for the party from the mid 50’s through the 90’s. She never knew a stranger and was known for her quick wit. Being born under the sign of the Ram, she could be stubborn, frugal, very organized and mischievous. She loved dressing up for Halloween and went to extreme lengths not to be recognized.
She was a loving wife to her husband, Harry and a proud mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. She is survived by her husband; her children: Wendy (Dale) Frederick, Scott (Dyann) Burgess and Chris (Lori) Burgess. She was a doting grandmother to her four grandchildren: Ross, Kelsey, Shane and Kyle. She will be sorely missed by her family, extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 30, 2008 at Grandview Lutheran Church; 2930 E. 13th Street, Des Moines, burial will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery. Family will visit with friends from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2008 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines.
Memorial contributions can be made to Grandview Lutheran Church or VFW Post 9662 Auxiliary Cancer Fund.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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