Shirley Ann Robertson

Shirley Ann (Sextro) Robertson, 90, of Madrid, IA, formerly of Manilla, IA, passed away Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Madrid Home.

Shirley was born June 9, 1935, in Manning, IA, the daughter of Frank "Shorty" and Lorine (Eischeid) Sextro. She married Larry Robertson on November 17, 1956. Together, they made their home in Talmage, NE, before later settling in Manilla, IA.

Shirley worked as an Administrative Secretary at Carroll County and Denison Hospitals. She and Larry also provided foster care for more than 30 years, opening their home and hearts to countless children. Later, she was employed at Dubuque Pack in Denison, as a quality control inspector.

A talented seamstress and passionate quilter, Shirley made sure each of her children, grandchildren, and siblings received a quilt made with love. She enjoyed sewing clothes for her children and grandchildren as they grew up and always had a "needs mending" pile nearby.

Shirley loved gardening and canning with Larry and cooking for her family-especially homemade chicken and noodles, chocolate chip cookies, and cinnamon rolls for her grandchildren.

She never knew a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Shirley was active in her church, including Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manilla, where she served for many years as youth and adult choir director. Her love of music led her to teach herself to play the guitar, piano, and accordion, and she was part of a polka band that performed at area nursing homes.

After moving to Ankeny, Shirley became involved at St. Mary-Holy Cross Catholic Church in Elkhart, where she cantered and sang.

In retirement, Shirley and Larry relocated to Lake View, Iowa and enjoyed spending time at the lake, especially when their children and grandchildren came to visit.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank (Shorty) and Lorine, husband Larry, brother Dave Sextro and brother-in-law Richard Schneider.

Shirley is survived by her children, Alan Robertson of Carlisle, IA, David (Julie) Robertson of Des Moines, Laurie (Richard) Plante of Urbana, IA, Lorina (Jeff) Spies of Hiawatha, IA, Paul (Kathleen) Robertson of Madrid and Lynette (Chris) King of Chicago, IL, grandchildren, McKaylee, McKenzie, Brian, Matthew, Sarah, Lauren, Austin, Jordan, Christian, Gregory, Carly, Jake, Zack, Ben, Luke, Taylor, Trevor, Tyler and Treyton and 20 great grandchildren with two on the way, siblings, Darlene (Don) Hjuler, of Audubon, IA, Pat (Ron) Larsen of Peyton, CO, Mary Schneider of Ankeny, IA, Phil (Lois) Sextro of Grand Island, NE, Becky (Bill) Rasmussen of Omaha, NE and sister-in-law Anne Sextro of Sun City, AZ, and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made payable to Mary Greeley Hospice or Great Western Park in Manning

A memorial mass followed by a luncheon will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 29, 2025, at St. Malachy's Catholic Church in Madrid, IA where visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be a later date at the Nishnabotna Cemetery in Manilla, IA.

Honorary pallbearers are Brian Robertson, Matt Robertson, Austin Plante, Greg Spies, Jake Robertson, Trevor Feauto and Tyler Feauto.