Shirley Ann Hankins

Shirley Hankins, age 88, of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Avera Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall, Minnesota. Funeral Services are 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota. A reception for attendees will follow at the Funeral Home. Interment will be at 4:00 p.m. Friday at the Russell Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to her celebration, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Friday, also at the Hamilton Funeral Home.

Shirley Ann Harkema was born on April 6, 1936, in Holland, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Chris and Sophia (Wiese) Harkema. Shirley grew up in Pipestone, Minnesota, and attended school there as well. She later moved with her family to Hills, Minnesota, when her father took a position on the railroad. It was in Hills where she met the love of her life, Mr. Duane "Hank" W. Hankins.

Hank and Shirley were united in marriage on January 25, 1958, in Lynd, Minnesota. They raised four children and Shirley also worked at the daycare that was run out of First Lutheran Church in Marshall. She cooked for the children there and would later go on to cook for many years at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall prior to her retirement.

Shirley always put her family first and immensely enjoyed the time she was able to spend with her children, grandchildren, and eventually great-grandchildren. Her enjoyments in life included cooking, reading, watching old western shows, playing Bingo, and listening to polka music.

Shirley died peacefully with family by her side on January 6, 2025, in Marshall, Minnesota. She had reached the age of 88 years and 9 months. Blessed be her memory.

She is survived by her 3 children, Doreen Garland of Marshall, Donald (and Cindi) Hankins of Lynd, Donna Hankins (and Mike Phillippe) of Marshall; daughter-in-law, Jean Stassen of Fergus Falls; 4 grandchildren, Chrissy (and Randy) Hook, Raymond Hankins, Ashley Hankins, Rebecca "Becky" Hankins; 7 great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Ripley, Reese, Cadyn, Malachi, Sofia, Chloe; 4 siblings, Betty Wieme of Pipestone, Larry Harkema of Pipestone, Cary (and Connie) Harkema of Pipestone, Judy Dean of Slayton; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Duane "Hank" Hankins; son, Duane Dale Hankins; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Hankins; son-in-law, David Garland; brothers-in-law, Eddie Wieme, Sheldon Dean; and a sister-in-law, Jan Harkema.