Shirley Maxine Gifford

Shirley Maxine Gifford, the daughter of Esten Wellington & Bessie Mae (Todd) Inman, was born May 28, 1924 at home in Spencer, Iowa. Her childhood years were spent in Spencer, where she attended Spencer schools. Shirley worked at M & JR Hakes, grading eggs; at Glider School at the Fairgrounds; as a waitress at several places; and at F W Woolworths, when she dropped out of school to take care of her mother. She married Bruce Gerald Gifford, Jr. on December 6, 1951, in Jackson, Minnesota. Following their marriage, they resided in Spencer, Iowa, where they raised a family of 6 children. She worked as a dishwasher at Center Caf� for a short period of time, but was a full-time homemaker. Shirley was an active member of the First Christian Church in Spencer, Iowa; in Battle Creek, Michigan; and in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She sang in the choir, volunteered as a Sunday School teacher, and as a Chi Rho youth leader, served as a deaconess, and on many other church committees. She and her husband Bruce lived in Battle Creek, Michigan; in Albert Lea, Minnesota; in Bloomington, Minnesota; in St. Louis Park, Minnesota; and later moved back to Spencer, Iowa. Preceding her in death was her sister Helen Mae Todd Inman, who died at birth; her parents Esten & Bessie Inman; her brother, Clarence Wellington Inman; one son-in-law, Scott Martin; one daughter Sherry Gifford; and her husband Bruce in May 2012. Left to cherish her memory are her remaining children: Jerri Martin of Stanwood, WA; Becky (Leland) Smith of Kansas City, MO; Michael (Roxanne) Gifford of Miller, MO; Laurie Gifford of Spencer; and Carole (David) Feldhacker of Spencer; 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Darlene Flack of Iowa City, IA; and many other relatives and friends.

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