Shirley Lenan

Shirley Irene Lenan, age 97, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Vintage Hills Assisted Living in Indianola, Iowa.

Shirley was born July 18, 1926, in Camp Township, Polk County, Iowa to Roy and Rose (Freel) Wicker. She graduated high school in 1944 in Runnells, Iowa. Shirley was baptized at an early age. She began working in manufacturing for Firestone Tire and Rubber in 1965, and retired in 1985. Her previous work included Peter Pan Bakery, AMF, Super Valu Bakery, and Tension Envelope. She was also an usher at the Des Moines Civic Center.

During the Iowa State Fair, Shirley and Bob Winegarner parked cars for several years on the southeast corner of the fair grounds. She and Bob looked forward to this every year. Shirley was a member of the Home Lodge and Eastern Star on the east side of Des Moines. Home Lodge has done several chicken and beef noodle dinners which she was very active in make the noodles. She had a love of gardening and enjoyed tending her yard, growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

She is survived by her daughters, Patty Railene Spence (Harry K. Spence) and Frances Marlene Marks (Jeff Jorgenson); son-in-law, Steve French; grandchildren, Thomas Spence (Jean), Edgil Allen Bruce (Laura), Sherry Smith, Raymond Bruce, Daniel Bruce (Rita), Denise Bentley (Howard), Tammy Clark, Jesse Dean (Morgan), Amanda French Bass (Russ), Nicole French; step-grandchildren, Rhonda Taffae, Robert Spence, Randy Spence; many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and great-great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Crystal Wicker; and nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Bernard Lenan in 1987; two children, Edgil Allen Bruce and Kathy Karlene French; parents, Roy and Rose Wicker; sisters, Lenora Cummings, Carolene Miller Hickcox; brother, Glen Wicker; half-brother, Raymond Wicker; half-sisters, Mina Blood and Thelma Blood.

There will be a graveside service at Rising Sun Cemetery on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 2:15 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Make-A-Wish or Alzheimer’s Association in loving memory of Shirley.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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