Shirley Jane Olsen

Shirley Jane (Rohrbaugh) Olsen died Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, while a resident of Gracewell Nursing Home in Denison, Iowa. She was born in Peterson, Iowa, on July 19th, 1931, the daughter of Lou and Blanche Rohrbaugh. She attended school in Peterson and married David Olsen on January 22, 1949. The couple was blessed with five children. 

As a farm wife, Shirley was equally competent working in and outdoors. With five children, she was constantly busy with their care and attending their activities. 

Shirley was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Peterson. She could always be counted on to support her church in many ways. Shirley enjoyed attending services and being a member of the Esther Circle. She enjoyed time spent with her friends at the local Red Hats and a monthly birthday club luncheon. 

Shirley was always busy doing something, and loved to bake, sew, clean and host holiday meals. She kept busy in the summers preserving the bounty from her husband's garden. She excelled at baking bread. 

Shirley loved her grandchildren: Marc, Noelle, Jill, Matthew, Bonnie, Katie, David, Alex, Jarrod and Ian. She could always be counted on to make their favorite foods and meals, and all agreed Grandma's meals could not be matched. 

Preceding Shirley in death are her son, David, her parents and siblings Jim, Phyllis, Bill and Betty as well as many other relatives and friends. She is survived by her husband of 75 years, David, her children Becky (Bill) Eimermann, Bonnie (Brian) Allers, Debra (Lonnie) Pederson and Dennis (Karen) Olsen, ten grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, two great grand children, her sister Pat Miller and sister-in-law Carolyn Rohrbaugh.  

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Ambulance Shed Fund in Peterson, Iowa. P.O. Box 247 Peterson, IA 51047