Shirley Cassady

1936 - 2025

Shirley Ann Cassady, age 89, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, was born the daughter of Harm and Vera (Kaiser) Flesner, on October 9, 1936, in rural Parkersburg, Iowa. Shirley grew up on the family farm in Buck Grove, Iowa. She attended school at Pleasant Valley Township #5 in Buck Grove before graduating from Aplington High School in 1954. Her formative years in the Iowa countryside instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family and community.

On December 5, 1959, Shirley was united in marriage to Leland Baruth. To this union two children, Bret and Becky were born. The couple later divorced. On August 15, 1986, she was united in marriage to Michael Cassady. The couple later divorced.

Shirley dedicated many years of service as an Operations Clerk at MidAmerican Energy, where she worked diligently until her retirement in January 1996. Her commitment to her profession reflected her dependable nature and attention to detail. She loved spending time with her fellow retirees at their monthly and yearly get togethers.

As a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Parkersburg, Shirley found joy and fellowship quilting with the ladies of the congregation. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life and a source of strength during both joyful and challenging times.

In her youth, Shirley liked to roller skate at the Buck Grove skating rink, a pastime that brought her great delight and energy. She also enjoyed dancing at the Riveria Ball Room in Janesville. Later in life, she cherished traveling with her sisters, especially their memorable trip to Cape Cod. These adventures were filled with laughter, shared stories, and lasting memories. She loved spending time sitting outside with her crew on Legacy Lane sharing stories of her time in Buck Grove. Shirley was an avid basketball fan. You would often find her sitting in front of her TV cheering on her beloved Iowa Hawkeyes and Indiana Fever. She also had a well-known love for ice cream, which brought simple pleasures to everyday moments.

On Monday, November 17, 2025, Shirley passed away peacefully at UnityPoint Hospice in Waterloo of brain cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Harold (in infancy) and Marvin Flesner, a sister, Delores Flesner, a brother-in-law, Kent Warneka and a sister-in-law, Thelma Flesner.

Shirley's greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her son Bret Baruth of Parkersburg; daughter Becky Scheidecker (Jeff Armstrong) of Dike; granddaughters Ashley (John) Schweers of Jesup, Christina Beninga of Aplington and Erica Baruth of Cedar Falls; great-grandchildren Rowan Beninga, Adelaide Schweers, and Dresden Schweers; two sisters, Carol Warneka and Linda (Dickie) Oldenburger, both of Parkersburg; as well as many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

Shirley's life was one of quiet strength, enduring love for family, and steadfast faith. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. She was truly one of a kind.

Per Shirley's request, there will be no services. A private family burial will be held in the spring.

The family would like to thank UnityPoint Hospice of Waterloo for all their kindness and care during this difficult time. We would also like to thank the University of Iowa - Dr. Yu and her great team for all they did for her the last 2 years.

Memorials may be directed to the family at 16504 Vista Ave, Dike, Iowa 50624.