Shirley Jean Adams

Shirley Jean (Gowdy) Adams, 95, of Marshalltown, Iowa, previously of Melbourne, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

Per the wishes of Shirley and her family, private services will be held and she will be laid to rest at Melbourne Memorial Garden. Memorials may be directed to the family. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Shirley and her family. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Born Shirley Jean Moar on February 9, 1928 in Ottumwa, Iowa, she was the daughter of Calvin and Perletta (Woollyms) Moar. After graduating from Melbourne High School in 1946, she went on to AIB Business College in Des Moines for 2 years. Shirley was united in marriage to the love of her life, Robert Keith Gowdy on September, 30th, 1950. The couple made their home in Melbourne, where she dedicated her time and affection to raising their six children. She also worked part time for the school district school lunch program. Shirley and Robert were married for 26 years before his passing in 1977.

Later, she was blessed with a second love and was united in marriage to Armon Adams. They lived in Marshalltown, Iowa, where she took a position at Smith Music. She loved music and was a gifted piano player and organist.

Faith, family and music were everything. She was a member of Melbourne Methodist Church (now New Horizons) and became a member of Central Christian Church upon her move to Marshalltown. She played music for the churches and enjoyed taking part in the women’s ministries. Shirley was also an avid reader and more than anything, enjoyed spending time with her family.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Mike (Jeanne) Gowdy of Marshalltown, IA, Phil (Jane) Gowdy of Ankeny, IA, Robert Gowdy (Chris) of Red Oak, IA and Bruce Gowdy of Melbourne, IA; grandchildren: Shawna Gowdy, Tonya Caracoza, Vanessa Caracoza all of Marshalltown, Brian (Cindy) Gowdy of Waukee, IA, Barry (Lori) Gowdy, Fuqua Varina of NC, Stacy (Jason) Maiers of Elgin, IL, Shannon (Diana) Browning of Dallas, TX, Cory (Rita) Browning of Kansas City, MO, Robert Gus (Sarah) Gowdy of East Bethel, MN, Maranda (Trevor) Betz of Spencer, IA, Jamie (Steven) Faust of Allen, TX and Evan Gowdy of Derango, CO; numerous great-grandchildren and her sister Myrtle Albrecht of Waterloo, IA.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Perletta (Woollyms) Moar, her first husband Robert (Keith) Gowdy, second husband Armon Adams, son Greg, daughter Nancy, and brother-in-law Jim Albrecht.