Shirley June Anderson-Edmunds

1930 - 2025

Shirley June Anderson-Edmunds

July 27, 1930 - January 4, 2025

Shirley June Anderson-Edmunds passed from this earthly life on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Talamore Senior Living/Memory Care in Madison, Wisconsin. At 94 years young, Shirl, as she was lovingly known, was born July 27, 1930, and was the third of five children born to James and Jessie (Southworth) Bires of New Lisbon, Wisconsin.

Adventuresome, fearless, passionate, and compassionate, would describe Shirley's approach to the life she led. Spending her childhood in the farming community of Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, Shirl learned the importance of hard work, determination, and commitment. All of which attest to her German heritage. At an early age, she bonded with the animals on the farm, which would later develop into her passion as a lifelong equestrian.

On August 25, 1951, Shirley married the love of her life, Duane Donald "Andy" Anderson. Together, they created a life filled with love, adventure, and tradition. Making their home in North Liberty, Iowa, for many years, Duane served as a Professor in the College of Education at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. "Andy" as he was known by close family and friends, preceded her in death on March 10th, 1992.

On August 26, 1995, Shirley was united in marriage to Kenneth Earl Edmunds. Following their marriage, the couple relocated to Southeast Missouri where they established S & K Ranch, a working equestrian-themed ranch where Shirley would continue to enjoy her passion of working with animals, especially horses. Kenneth also preceded her in death on October 8, 2007.

In addition to her husbands, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, James & Jessie Bires, her brother, Vernon Bires, her sister, Elizabeth Was, and one niece, Sue Ernst.

Shirley's love of life will live on through every life she touched, especially in the hearts and minds of her family that survive: Brothers, Willis "Bill" Bires of Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, and Erwin Bires (Kaye) of Hartland, Wisconsin, and the following nieces and nephews: Mary Paul (John), Kim Bires-Jenich (Marty), Jill Hurst, James Bires, Willis Bires, Jr. (Debbie), Laurie Johnson (David), Linda Johnson (Bobby), Shari Severson (Joe), Julie Bires, and Jane Kirk (Daniel).

A "Celebration of Life" is planned in Wisconsin and Missouri in the Spring of 2025, with dates and locations to be announced later.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Talamore Senior Living/Memory Care and Bristol Hospice for the extraordinary compassion and love shown during her stay at Talamore, and through her final days. Your comfort and kindness will forever be remembered.