Shirley Ann Davis

Shirley Ann (Hawbaker) Davis passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Thursday, January 30, 2025. She went with the dignity and grace for which she was known throughout her life; Her daughter, Linda faithfully by her side.

Shirley was born on the South Side of Des Moines, Iowa on April 23, 1936, to Fannie Jane (Bouma) Hawbaker and David Joseph Hawbaker. She graduated from Des Moines Lincoln High School in 1954. She then attended Broadlawns Nursing School and worked as a nurse until she married her high school sweetheart Russell Eugene Davis on June 26, 1955. In August of the next year, Linda Lorraine came along, followed by Beverly Jean. Shirley was a wonderful mother and wife.

She was a fabulous seamstress, making many outfits for the whole family and even some neighbors. As a homemaker, she provided her family with the consistency, stability and care they needed, waking up before Russ every morning, so he could have his breakfast and get to work on time, then getting the girls off to school, followed by cleaning, shopping, getting dinner ready, helping the girls with their homework, and getting everyone off to bed. After Linda and Beverly grew up, she kept busy by helping Russ with his business ventures.

In 1985, Linda had a daughter, Nichole Lindsey Clark, and things began to change once again for Shirley. She was drawn back to her home life as Nickie would spend the weekends with grandma and grandpa and in 1998, Russ and Shirley decided to retire for good. She was then able to spend a lot more time with her family. In the winters, Russ and Shirley would travel to Arizona in their motorhome. She loved to travel with Russ, but she always looked more forward to returning home to her family rather than leaving.

When Nickie went to college, Shirley was sad to see her go, but, when Nickie returned home a few months later announcing she was dropping out because she was homesick and couldn’t feel at home in her new city, her grandma Shirley would not hear of it. She drove Nickie back to Cedar Rapids and stayed almost a month with her, helping her get used to her new surroundings and forcing her to explore her new city. Nickie stayed in college and lives in Cedar Rapids to this day.

In 2007, Russ, Shirley, and Linda consolidated both of their homes and moved into one home together, so they could take care of each other. They had so many good times together in this new home. Russ passed away in 2013, leaving Shirley and Linda together. Shirley continued her role as a homemaker, while Linda worked. She loved to help Beverly with her garden and she sewed three flower girl dresses for Beverly and Kevin’s wedding. In her final days, Linda and Beverly became her caretakers. They made sure Shirley was never left alone. Linda would sew outfits for her to wear and Beverly would make tasty snacks and drinks to entice her to get her nutrition. Nickie finally decided to settle down, which pleased Shirley very much.

Those left to carry on Shirley's legacy are her daughters Linda and Beverly, her granddaughter Nichole (Nickie) Clark (fiancé, Jonathan Nash), her best friend forever Pauline Snell, grand-puppies Rose and Lily, and great-grand-kitty Callie.

Welcoming her in heaven are her husband of 59 years, Russ, her parents, Fannie and David, Sister Bonnie, Son-in-law, Kevin Kaiser (Beverly), and great-grand-dog Duke.

May we all carry on with her strength, grace, and love for our family and friends throughout the rest of our own lives.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Print

Leave message