Shirley Ann Schulze, 87, of Johnston, IA passed away on April 14 surrounded by her family and friends at Mercy Hospice. Shirley was born February 22, 1936 to Eugene and Ida May (Nagle) Cruikshank in Des Moines, IA. Shirley met her first husband Jerry Todden at age 14 at the roller rink. Her parents wouldn’t let her date that young, so they chaperoned them on weekly dates. After she graduated from Des Moines Tech High School in June of 1954, the two of them married in August and were blessed with their children Kevin and Lori. Shirley attended Drake University for one semester and volunteered for Easter Seals before joining the Telephone Company where she worked for 31 years. She had many positions but retired in 1985 as a Business Service Advisor. She was active in the Telephone Pioneers of America and also a member of Eastern Star. Shirley met her second husband Fred Schulze on a blind date set up by her neighbor. They were married in 1973 and he passed in 2011. Throughout her life, Shirley was very sociable. She maintained her high school friendships and met monthly with her “club ladies” to eat, talk, and play games. Shirley would also meet with her “cruise girls” monthly to eat, socialize, and shop. She had many close friends in her Glenstone neighborhood who brought her great joy. Shirley was a faithful member of Glen Echo Christian Church and served as both a Deaconess and Elder during her membership. She also looked forward to her Todden, Nagle, and Cruikshank Family Reunions. Shirley always had a laugh when her Uncle and cousins got together for dinner and games. Shirley also maintained an old friendship with Chuck and Mary McClain. Once Shirley and Chuck had both lost their spouses, they struggled to find happiness but were able to lean on and comfort one another. This friendship grew into a beautiful relationship based on fun, love, and laughter. Together, they traveled and shared in the most beautiful memories. Her love extended out to both their families. Shirley will forever be remembered as a mother, grandmother, and nana to so many “adopted” families. She had such a loving personality and always went above and beyond to care for others. Her beautiful smile and giving spirit will be missed by many. Shirley’s memory will live on through her son Kevin (Deborah) Todden and daughter Lori (Dennis) Martin, grandchildren Allison Martin, Tyler (Marissa) Martin, Brett (Melissa) Acord, Bradley Acord, Kelly (Nick) Kraska, Jason (Chelsey) Martin, great grandchildren Sarah, Malia, and Keira Acord, Abigail and Andrew Kraska, Skylar and Gabby Hartson. She also leaves niece Brittany (Michael) Laursen. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 21st at Merle Hay Chapel from 5:00-7:00pm. The funeral service will be held the following day on Saturday at 12:00pm at Merle Hay Chapel. Family wishes to invite guests to join them at Glen Echo Christian Church following the funeral to further commemorate Shirley’s life.
The funeral service will be livestreamed and can be found at the following link: https://player.vimeo.com/video/819232095 Memorials may be made to her family via her daughter Lori Martin. They will be designated to Glen Echo Church and Johnston Hospice House.
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