Shirley Carpenter

Shirley Carpenter, 82, of Grundy Center, Iowa, died Sunday, October 10, 2010, at Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. Following cremation, a memorial service will be at 10:30 am Thursday, October 14, 2010, at the American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center with Pastor Beth Olson officiating. No Visitation is planned. Burial will take place at a later date. A memorial fund has been established. Shirley was born February 25, 1928 in Grundy Center, Iowa to her parents Bliss and Tillie (Bergman) Slifer. She attended school in Grundy Center and graduating from Grundy Center High School. Shirley was married to Richard Carpenter on May 27, 1951, at the American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center, Iowa. Shirley and Dick were married for 59 wonderful years. After their marriage they lived in Grundy Center for a short period of time before moving to Sioux City, Iowa, for 11 years. In 1964 they moved their family to Waterloo, Iowa. After 24 years of living in Waterloo, Shirley and Dick moved to Grundy Center, Iowa. Shirley was a homemaker and cared for her family as they grew. She loved to dance, listen to music, stopping at area casinos, attending garage sales and any type of shopping. She and Dick enjoyed wintering in San Antonio, Texas, after their retirements. Shirley enjoyed the many family outings they had attended. Most of all she loved to spend time with her family and friends. She will be missed and long remembered by her friends and family. Shirley is survived by her husband, Richard of Grundy Center; children, David (Kathy) Carpenter of Waterloo; Connie Carpenter of Oskaloosa, Iowa; 6 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; sister Marilyn Storjohann. Preceded in death by her parents; son, Jay Paul Carpenter; daughter, Janelle Smothers; brothers, Roger Slifer, Virgil Ray Slifer and sister, DeLoris Bieber.