Shirley J. Elder

Shirley Jean Elder passed away Sunday, January 16, 2022 at Avonlea Cottage surrounded by her husband, Bill and daughters, Jeanie and Julie.  

Shirley was born January 20, 1951 to Lyle and Phylis Wangelin of Moline, Illinois. She was the most beautiful, wonderful, giving and caring person. As a child she spent her summers on her great-grandparents dairy farm which began her lifelong love of horses. She had several horses over the years, but the two who stole her heart were Danny and Tink. Shirley excelled at everything she put her mind to and left those around her in awe of her accomplishments. One of her favorite places was her flower gardens. She had quite the green thumb. She loved traveling, dancing, fishing, crocheting and, most of all, spending time with her family.  

Shirley married Bill Elder on April 17, 2004. Shirley and Bill loved attending music concerts of all kinds together. This brightened her days and brought a famous Shirley smile to her face. Shirley worked most of her career for Miller Container doing just about every job possible until she retired in 2005 from customer service. 

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Bill; daughters, Jeanie (Kevin) Hurd, Nashua, IA and Julie (Rod) VanMelkebeke, Rock Island, IL; grandchildren, Jason (Nicole) Foster, Jennifer Foster, Julie (Ryan) Assink, Krysten (Dylan) Larson, Ashley Bickle and Bobby Bickle; great grandchildren, Jessica, Jordan, Kaylee, Julie, Carter, Addison, Adam, Wyatt and Hallie; and sister, Diane (Will) Camacho, Charlotte, NC. She was also loved by William (Erica) Elder Humble, TX; John (Tracy) and Gavin Elder Moline, IL, Jenny (Matt) and Collin Mathers, Des Moines, IA.  

A very special, loving thank you to all the nurses, caregivers and staff at Avonlea Cottage, as well as Genesis Hospice for all their support. 

Services will be at 11:00 am Saturday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 801 W. Edgington St., Reynolds. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm Friday at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in Chapel Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made in care of the Alzheimer’s Association. 

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