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Shirley Arnold Obituary
Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic and as recommended by the Governor of Iowa, social distancing will be required. Those in attendance are strongly encouraged to wear a mask at the services. We encourage relatives and friends not able to attend the service to reach out to the family by leaving a message on the funeral home website or by mail, text, or phone.
Shirley Mae Mott was born on July 24, 1939, in Buchanan County, Iowa, the daughter of Stanley M. "Zib" and Maud Lorene (Swinbank) Mott. She graduated from Jesup High School in 1958, and then graduated from cosmetology school in Cedar Rapids. On May 19, 1962, she was united in marriage to Ralph Hawkins. To this union four children were born – James, Michael, Christine, and Sue Ann. They later divorced.
On August 17, 1973, she was united in marriage to James Kent Arnold in Galena, Illinois. They lived and farmed on the family farm north of Winthrop. For many years, Shirley was a hairstylist at Kay's Beauty Shop in Winthrop. When she retired from hairstyling, Shirley helped Jim farm.
She was a member of the Church of Christ United in Winthrop, Women's Fellowship, and several card clubs.
After Jim's death in 2016, Shirley moved to Independence. Shirley enjoyed playing cards, quilting, puzzles, and going for gator rides with Jim. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family.
Shirley is survived by her four children, James (Meshell) Hawkins of Independence, Michael Hawkins of Sacramento, California, Christine (John) Kerkove of Independence, and Sue Ann (Ron) Hoefer of Masonville; two stepsons, James Kent (Sheri) Arnold Jr. of Independence and
Scott J. (Angela) Arnold of Altoona; 14 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard (Sheryl) Mott of Jesup; and two nieces and one nephew.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James K. Arnold Sr.; and a brother, Jimmy Mott.
See the online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Arnold
Sponsored by Fawcett-Schmitz Funeral Home.
Dixie Hansen
August 31, 2020
I didn't know Shirley but I know her one step-son (James & Sheri Arnold & family); memories and tears are good for the soul. Prayers for all who loved her.
Teresa Dudley
August 31, 2020
Shirley had a beautiful spirit and a beautiful family. Our sympathy and Hugs to all.
Michelle and Gene Ficken
August 30, 2020
To Shirley’s family❤ Sending our heartfelt sympathy and prayers. Our hearts are so sad for your loss. Shirley was a wonderful lady and what a dear friend. Again we are so sorry—- Michelle and Gene Ficken
Barb Sullivan
August 30, 2020
So very sorry for your loss. Shirley was a wonderful lady and a great neighbor. Always had a ready smile and kind words. Our thoughts and prayers for your strength. May all those fun family time memories bring you peace. Dennis and Barb Sullivan
Tom Mott
August 30, 2020
Fond memories of Shirley: from our first "big trip" to Zib and Lorene's house in Jesup, and more family visits to our farm and back; from reunions at Duncombe to more recent reunions at the park in Osky where we got to enjoy company with Shirley and Jim Arnold; Shirley was kind and good company, a cousin to look up to. Condolences on sad loss.
Jan Widmann
August 29, 2020
I will miss you always. Your friendship was a blessing to me.
Mary Hawkins Hayden-Wing
August 29, 2020
Shirley was such a sweet, lovely lady. We had many memorable family get-togethers over the years. she always had the best pot luck casseroles. Just last week, Mark and Denise were here and we looked at pictures of your Mom and Dad's wedding, so nostalgic. I am so sorry to hear of her death. Prayers be with you.
Rhonda Arnold
August 29, 2020
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Your mother was a sweet person who we so enjoyed. Our thoughts and love are with you. Eldon and Rhonda
Susie Toale
August 29, 2020
I enjoyed getting to know Shirley at SilverSneakers exercise class. My sympathy to her family and friends.
Polly Wilson-Villalobos
August 28, 2020
To Chris , Sue and all of your families, I send my deepest condolences. I am holding you all closely in my prayers.
Terry and Linda Peterson
August 28, 2020
Our sympathy and prayers are with all of Shirley's family. She was a very good and kind lady. She loved her family and friends dearly. She also loved to have fun! May you find peace in all the wonderful memories. Soon you will find yourselves quoting her with all the little "Shirleyisms"- and those will again bring smiles to your hearts!
Annette Kress
August 28, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with Shirley's family at this difficult time. May the wonderful memories always be close to heart. Shirley was a great person!!
NORMAN VANLANINGHAM
August 27, 2020
LIFE LONG FRIEND FROM ON ROOM SCHOOL HOUSE DAYS. WE KEPT IN TOUCH ALL THESE YEARS, MAY GOD BE WITH HER FAMILY DURING THIS TIME OF SORROW.
Chris Hermsen
August 27, 2020
So sorry for your loss. May the memories of all the good times spent with your mom bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Jinny Pettyjohn
August 27, 2020
Don, Ladana, Linda, and I are so sorry to hear of Shirley passing away. Know that she is with God, and Uncle Zib and Aunt Lorraine. Love to you all, the Gurney Kids
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