Shirley Ann (Smith) Masters

Shirley Ann Masters, age 91 of Newton, formerly of Monroe, passed away Monday, May 4, 2026, at Valley Vista Nursing and Rehabilitation. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 11, 2026, at Cornerstone Bible Fellowship in Newton.  The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service and again after the service with a lunch at the church.  Memorials to Cornerstone Bible Fellowship may be left at the church or at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

Shirley was born September 7, 1934, to Alfred and Helen Smith in Jackson, Minnesota. She completed country school and later graduated from Omaha Baptist Bible College. On June 4, 1960, she was united in marriage to Orville “Ralph” Masters.

Shirley worked as a telephone operator after high school before going to college. She raised her children and provided daycare for children, creating bonds that continued into their adult life. Later she worked as a supervisor at Midland manufacturing before returning to her passion of child daycare. Her garden was full of zucchini, tomatoes, beans, peas, strawberries and corn. She filled in the edges with pancakes, rhubarb with cornflakes, and chocolate!

Shirley’s life was centered around faith and family. She taught Sunday School and was an AWANA leader for many years and attended countless recitals, games, and competitions. There were many family fishing trips, camping vacations, and games around the kitchen table. Shirley was a member of Cornerstone Bible Fellowship in Newton and enjoyed singing and the fellowship of her church family.

Shirley is survived by a sister Arliss Curtis of Minneapolis; her son, Mike (Laurie) Masters of Waverly; three daughters, Pam (Dave) McCumber of Newton, Kim (Randy) Costello of Cedar Falls, and Brenda (Jim) Tudor of Las Vegas, Nevada; 9 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; sisters, Iva Anderson and Inez Peterson; and brother, Kenneth Smith.

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