Shirley Jean Godsil
- Iowa Funeral Planning
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Shirley Jean Godsil was born May 22, 1932, in Estherville, IA to Vera and Elmer Osberg. She passed away January 1, 2025, at the Kavanagh House (Every Step) at the age of 92.
Dating and inseparable since teenagers, she married Ralph Godsil in 1950. Ralph joined the Army and was stationed in Germany and their journey began. She went over with one child and came back with three and 13 years later… surprise… a fourth child. Shirley and Ralph were married 62 years and had a fun, good life together.
She was a lifetime member at the VFW and worked at American National Can where she made many good friends. Shirley loved taking trips anywhere with family or just running up to see her mom.
Baking, oh she loved to bake and every day she enjoyed eating chocolates. Shopping at Younkers was a favorite: buying purses, shoes and don’t forget the facial cream (the jar was always empty). Family always came when she made biscuits and gravy (grandsons and nephews were first in line). She loved all of her grandkids, making sure everyone was taxied wherever they needed to be and, of course, fed (“you need to eat”). She had more time with her great-great grandkids and smothered them with hugs and kisses. She loved all of her family and took care of all of us.
Shirley was a great wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandma, friend, family member and coworker. She was always there to lend a hand in any way.
Shirley is survived by Marcy Hintz (daughter), 7 grandchildren [Cindy Goodwin, Angie Malaney, Steph Evans, Jason Evans, Mark Malaney (Marissa), Jodi Leech (Phil), Shantel Porter (Mark)], 15 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren (plus one on the way).
She is proceeded in death by Ralph Godsil Sr (husband), Ralph Godsil Jr (son), Beverly Evans (daughter), Susan Malaney Wood (daughter), and her parents and sister.
A “Gathering of Love” will be held at the VFW Post 9662- 1309 NE 66th- Des Moines, IA from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025. In remembrance, plant a tree, always be kind and cherish your family.