Shirley Mae Granstra

     Shirley Mae Granstra, the daughter of Walter and Edna (Johnson) Ruehle was born May 11, 1927 in Ruthven, IA. Her childhood years were spent in the Ruthven and Ayrshire, IA areas where she attended school. She graduated from Ayrshire High School in 1945. She received her teaching certificate and taught at several country schools and then Harris Schools.

   Shirley married Barney Granstra at Zion Lutheran Church in Ruthven, IA, on June 5, 1949. She enjoyed playing cards, quilting, sewing, cooking and the Clay Co. Fair, especially entering baked goods in the contest. She also worked as a homemaker and substitute teacher. Shirley and Barney were a wonderful team, and were married for 69 years. They were very good examples of life long love. They did a lot of traveling together. They also were mission builders and went to many states to build churches. They worked in Africa as teachers in Shighettini, Tanzania for 2 years and Kenya for one year. Shirley was a Guild member at First English Lutheran Church in Spencer, IA.

      Shirley passed away on Tuesday, December 25, 2018 at St. Luke Lutheran Home, at the age of 91. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Edna Ruehle; one son, Bryan; and one brother, Harley Ruehle.

     Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Barney of Spencer, IA; one daughter, Sherri (Rod) Stephas of Spencer, IA; 5 grandchildren, Ryan, Rick (Emily), and Roger Stephas, Bryson (Desiree) and Brody Granstra; 5 great-grandchildren; one sister, Joyce Dixson of Ithaca, NY; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and many friends.

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