Shirley Mae Carr

Shirley Mae (Muehlenthaler) Carr of Ankeny passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Kavanaugh Hospice House in Des Moines at age 89. Services will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025 at Salem United Church of Christ in Alleman. Visitation will be held from 10:00AM-11:00AM, with funeral services at 11:00AM. Burial will be held later time.

Shirley was born on April 20, 1936, at home in Alleman, Iowa, to John Sr. and Augusta Muehlenthaler. At age four she moved to Ankeny where she resided for the rest of her life. Shirley graduated from Ankeny High School where she was able to compete in the 1953 State Basketball tournament. Upon graduation Shirley worked for the Bell Telephone Company and went on to work at DMACC where she retired in 2001. Shirley was united in Marriage to Francis Carr on May 27, 1956, at Salem United Church of Christ in Alleman. Together they had two sons, Steven Eugene Carr and Gary Lynn Carr.

Shirley enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her family and friends. She loved traveling and could often be found in a van pulling a camper headed for Tennessee, Colorado, and many other cities and states. In 1990 Shirley and Francis were able to take the trip of a lifetime to Europe where she enjoyed spending time with relatives. She loved wintering in Florida, playing cards with her friends, and shopping with her faithful sidekick, her daughter-in-law Paula.

Shirley is survived by her beloved husband of 69 years, Francis Carr, a son, Gary (Stephanie), and Daughter- in-law, Paula. Four grandchildren; Adam (Jessica) Carr, Jeremy (Amy) Carr, Alex (Erin) Carr and Katlyn (Zach) LeMaster, and nine great grandchildren Ava, Liv, Haydon, Hudson, Briesyn, Kelton, Brecken, Easton, and Westin.

She was preceded in death by her son, Steven Carr in September 2025, and many other relatives and friends.

Memorial Contributions can be directed to Salem United Church of Christ in Alleman, Iowa, for any question please call Dyamond Memorial at 515-964-7543, for on-line condolences or to share a memory or photo go to DyamondMemorial.com.