Sheila Kay Orr

Sheila Kay Orr, age 76 of Conrad, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Oak View Nursing Home in Conrad under the care of the staff at Oak View and Iowa River Hospice.

Sheila was born on January 7, 1949, the daughter of Harry and Darlene (Bollhoefer) Orr. She grew up on a farm between State Center and Marshalltown, where her lifelong love of animals first began. Throughout her life, she opened her heart and home to many beloved pets, each one a reflection of her gentle and caring spirit. She adored her cats as if they were her children.

Sheila started her education at LaMoille schools until it was incorporated into West Marshall, where she graduated in 1967. She went on to Marshalltown Community College for one year then the Medical Institute of Minneapolis. Sheila graduated as a Medical Lab Assistant.

Following school, Sheila took an internship in Webster City and later started her career at Des Moines General Hospital. Sheila worked as a lab assistant in Des Moines until 1978. When some health issues complicated her job, she returned to MCC to earn her Associate of Arts in Secretarial Science. Sheila worked at the law office of Mote, Wilson & Welp until the fall of 1980 when she started working for the State of Iowa in the Child Abuse Unit.

Sheila enjoyed cross-stitching, puzzles and dot to dot drawings. She loved to watch old westerns and listening to country music. Sheila also loved the holidays, especially the Christmas season.

Sheila’s strong and determined nature helped her overcome the many physical ailments brought on by polio and diabetes. Through it all, her love for her family and friends never wavered and continued to shine brightly. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Darlene. Left to cherish her memory are her brother and sister-in-law, Craig and Linda Orr; nephews and step-nieces, Kyle (Leslie) Orr, Cory (Amy) Orr, Christopher (BreAnne) Orr, Andrea (Brandon) Lyle and Nicole (Hozhabr) Mozafari; and 11 great-nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at the Baxter Congregational Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Restland Cemetery in Baxter. Memorials may be directed in memory of Sheila to an Animal Rescue League of your choosing.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Sheila and her family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.