Shirley Jean Atwood

Shirley Jean (Bach) Atwood passed away Monday, December 30, 2024. She resided at Brio of Johnston moving there in November 2018.
Shirley was born November 22, 1929, in Newton, Iowa. She grew up on her parents' farm, east of Baxter, attending country school at Malaka #4 through 8th grade. In the fall of 1944 Shirley began attending Baxter High School. There were no school buses at that time. She lived with her aunt and uncle, Reuben and Estella Bauercamper, during the week so she could attend high school. Her parents moved to Baxter in 1946, when her sister Lois Jontz and husband, Charles, took over the family farm.
Shirley was a member of the girls' basketball team of 1947-1948 that lost in the District Finals, which would have earned them a trip to the State Girls Basketball Tournament Sweet 16. At that time, there were no classes based on school size. Shirley graduated from Baxter High in 1948.
Shirley was a member of the Baxter Congregational Church, where she taught Sunday School, served on the Church Council and Hospitality Committee of Women's Fellowship and was the Church Treasurer for a period of time. Shirley worked at Maytag in Newton for over 37 years, both in the Plant 2 warehouse and the main office, retiring in December 1989.
Shirley lived in Baxter until July 2006 when she and her daughter, Cherry, moved to Waukee to be closer to family. Shirley enjoyed family gatherings and following the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Shirley is survived by her daughter, Cherry (Atwood) Butler of Waukee, grandsons Chris (Amy) Butler of Grimes, and Kevin (Shari) Butler of Waukee, and great-grandchildren Conner, Jarett and Erica Butler.
She was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Martha (Goeke) Bach, and sisters Lorraine (Calvin) Breer and Lois (Charles) Jontz.
There will be a visitation at Baxter Congregational Church on Main Street in Baxter Saturday, January 4, 2024, from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., followed by a service at the church. A graveside service will follow at Restland Cemetery in Baxter. Arrangements are being handled by Fredregill Funeral and Cremation Care. Memorials can be directed to the Baxter Congregational Church.