Obituary of Shirley Harris Danforth

Shirley Harris Danforth, age 84, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 19, 2020 surrounded by her loved ones in Osage Beach, Missouri. Shirley was born July 21, 1935 to Walter and Nell (Webb) Harris in Onarga, Illinois. Shirley enjoyed time with family, loved music (Neil Diamond her favorite), was an avid, life-long bowler, bowling well into her 70’s. Shirley loved playing cards and euchre, and was in Card Club with friends for more than 50 years. Shirley was a lifetime Cubs fan. She was thrilled to see her beloved Cubs win the 2016 World Series. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Eldridge. Shirley was extremely proud her three children are college graduates. She was a long-time member of Faith Lutheran Church. Shirley married Dana S. Danforth in 1956. They were married for 29 years, Dana passed in September 1985. Shirley worked at Central Trust and Savings Bank in Eldridge, and retired from Central Scott Telephone Company in Eldridge after 20 years of service. The family would like to thank the Eldridge community, Grand Haven Retirement Community, Lake Parke Senior Living, Lakeside Meadows, Compassus Hospice care, and all of Shirley’s loving family and friends. Shirley is survived by sons Jeff (Julie) Danforth of Linn Creek, Missouri and Mark of Birmingham, Alabama. A daughter, Lisa (Ken) Olson of Littleton, Colorado. Grandchildren Danielle (Zach) Nilsen, Rachel Danforth, Aidan Olson, and Lily Olson, and great-granddaughter Genevieve Nilsen. Shirley’s surviving siblings include Ronald (Jan) Harris, Robert (Brenda) Harris, Sharon (Richard) Eheart, and sister-in-law Linda (Mike) Harris and numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by husband, Dana S. Danforth and siblings Albert Harris, Janet Dausman, Marian “Moe” Harris, Margaret “Lucy” Mulligan, Mike Harris, and James Boyd Harris. Also, special friend Wilbert Schaff. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, February 24, 2020 at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga, Illinois. The family will welcome friends for visitation from 11am – 1pm prior to services at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to an Alzheimer’s or Dementia organization of your choice, or Faith Lutheran Church, Eldridge, Iowa.