Shirley Joan Schilling

Shirley Joan Schilling was born Dec. 29, 1939, in Black Hawk County, Iowa, the daughter of Richard and Malinda (Degner) Abben. She attended rural country schools in Black Hawk County before completing her elementary schooling in Hudson, Iowa. She was a 1957 graduate from Hudson High School.Shirley met the love of her life, Clifford Schilling, just before he had to leave for the military. She waited for him, and upon his return from the service, the couple were married on May 3, 1959, in Hudson. To this union five children were born. Cliff and Shirley farmed just northeast of Nashua and farmed there for over 57 years. Shirley helped around the farm in anyway that she could.

Shirley enjoyed belonging to the Bradford Homemakers Club. She loved gardening, sewing, canning foods and baking. You could often catch her at the church volunteering for her circle or helping out in many different ways as she was very active there. Donating blood was something that was very special to Shirley, she donated nine gallons in her lifetime. One of her favorite things to do was attending her grandchildren’s events. It did not matter what the event was, Shirley never missed. She was also active in the Nashua VFW Aux. for many years.In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to the Shirley J. Schilling Memorial Fund at 1684 260th St., Ionia, IA 50645.Shirley is survived by her husband of 57 years, Clifford Schilling of Nashua, Iowa; three sons, Ronald (Jackie) Schilling of Nashua, Iowa; Les (Cody) Schilling of Nashua, Iowa and Paul Schilling of Newton, Iowa; one daughter, Audrey Doucette of Charles City, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; one sister, Karen (Gary) Fleming of Waterloo, Iowa; many nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Denise Schilling in 1980; three brothers, LaVerne Abben, Cecil Abben and Don Abben; and one sister, Darlene Pearce.

— 20161121 —