Shirley Mae Tyler

Shirley Mae Tyler, 86, of Lexington, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 28, 1939, in Oelwein, Iowa, Shirley was the daughter of the late Carl Frank Wagner and Edna Helene Opperman. She previously attended Johnston Methodist Church and held a deep and abiding love for the Lord.

Shirley was the beloved wife and best friend of Gerald "Jerry" Tyler, her devoted husband of 67 years. She is also survived by her daughter, Julie Young; grandchildren, Bobby Thompson, Andy Thompson, Tyler Young, and Brooke Young; and great-grandsons, Kearce Thompson and McCoy Thompson. In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her siblings: Don Hagge, Robert Hagge, Ruth Butters, Elsa Young, Mary Townsend, Barbra Peterson, Jim Wagner, Dorothy Reager, and Ruth Troupe.

Shirley devoted her life to loving and caring for her family. She found joy in simple pleasures-cooking, bowling, feeding the many animals who visited her yard, and watching television game shows. She had a passion for travel, visiting over 40 countries with her lifelong companion, Jerry. After spending time in Saudi Arabia, she developed a unique and enduring love for camels.

Caring for Shirley during her illness was the ultimate act of love by her husband, Jerry, and daughter, Julie. They were steadfast in their devotion, always stepping in with compassion and strength until her final breath. The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Heartsong Hospice for their kind and compassionate care during Shirley's final days.

In honor of Shirley's deep love for animals, donations may be made to your local ASPCA chapter. She never made it through an ASPCA commercial without asking Jerry to adopt a puppy.