Shirley A. Willson

July 06, 1929 — April 03, 2024

Shirley Willson

Service Details

Shirley Ann Willson, 94, of Des Moines passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from natural causes.

Pamela Ganger, daughter of Shirley, passed away just two days later on April 5, 2024, also of natural causes.

Shirley was born July 6, 1929, the daughter of Edith and Samuel Schmidt. She was a longtime resident of Altoona, where she graduated in 1947 from Altoona High School. Shirley and her husband, Guy raised their two kids, Daniel and Pamela, in Altoona, only moving to Des Moines when it was time to downsize. Shirley worked for Southeast Polk Schools as a secretary, and later in the print shop, retiring in the mid-90s. Shirley and Guy enjoyed trips to the lake in Minnesota, and playing cards or dominos with friends. She was an avid reader, an amazing cook, and she could sew anything you needed.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Guy, parents Edith and Sam, brother Bob, and infant daughter Jane. She is survived by her son Daniel (Cindy) Willson, son-in-law Bob Ganger, brother-in-law Bob (Mary) Willson, and her grandchildren Eric, Andrew, Kayla and Tanner.

Her family hopes there is a penny slot machine with her name on it in heaven as she loved her trips to the casinos. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

There will be a joint visitation for Shirley and Pamela on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. A private family burial will take place at Altoona Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future designation.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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