Shirley Jean Elam, 88 of Kirksville passed away Saturday, October 29, 2022 at her home.
The daughter of William and Viola (Shelton) Harnish, she was born July 2, 1934 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. On December 14, 1957 in Edina, Missouri she married Lenville Elam.
Shirley is survived by her children, William Elam of Cedar Rapids, IA, Michael Elam and wife Wanda of Brashear, MO, Dolly Peek of Kirksville, Earlene Knoche and Michael Gosmyer of Kirksville, Lenda Wachter of Kirksville, and Loujean Hindman of Kirksville; one brother, Reverend William Harnish of Cedar Rapids, IA; 14 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one daughter, Gloria Schmickle and two sisters, Betty Watson and Dolly Watson.
Shirley grew up and attended Catholic School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She worked for the Florsheim Shoe Factory and Truman State University until she retired.
She was a member of the Salvation Army Church. She enjoyed sewing, collecting dolls, crocheting, traveling and camping.
She was a wife, sister, mom, grandma, great grandma, and wonderful dog mom. She loved her family deeply. She was silly, made us laugh, drove her children crazy, and was always up for shenanigans. She is now free to live eternally with her husband who she missed dearly. She will be missed by all those who loved her.
Visitation will be from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 2, 2022 with funeral service at 4:00 p.m. at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home. Entombment will be in Park View memorial gardens.
Memorials in memory of Shirley are suggested to the Salvation Army.
Arrangements in the care of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Kirksville, MO.