Shirley Garrett

Shirley Darlene Garrett was born on October 11, 1938, in Carroll, Iowa, to Sears and Olive (Dowling) North. She was baptized, confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and graduated from Dow City High School with the Class of 1956.

On May 27, 1956, Shirley married her high school sweetheart, John Garrett. Together, they were blessed with four children.

In her early years, Shirley worked at Gehl’s Grocery Store in Dow City. She later pursued her passion for helping others by attending nursing school, graduating from WITCC in 1978 as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She began her nursing career at Eventide and Denison Care Center before continuing at Crawford County Hospital, where she worked until her retirement.

Shirley loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—babysitting them, attending their activities, and staying actively involved in their lives brought her great joy. She also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, quilting, and tending to her flower garden. A devoted collector of cardinals, Shirley found peace and strength in her deep Christian faith.

Shirley passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025, at her home in Dow City at the age of 86. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by son, Dale Garrett in 1990 and husband, John Garrett in 1996 and siblings: Arlo North, Arlene Birney, Donald North, Olive Mae Griffin, John North, Jim North, Glen North, Mary Lou North in infancy, and LaNora North in infancy.

She is survived by one son, Randall (Vicki) Garrett of Eurecka Springs, AR; two daughters, Robin (Ron) Bedsaul Dow City and Vicki (Jason) Hoover of Elkhorn, NE; four grandchildren: Megan (Shaun) Mills, Joshua (Stephaine) Garrett, Sarah Spencer, and Sophia (Shawn) Hansen; and 13 great grandchildren.

Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Denison. The funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m., also at the church. Shirley will be laid to rest at Dow City Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in her honor.