Shirley M (Illingworth) Van Genderen

Shirley M. Van Genderen, 71, of Newton died on Friday, February 14, 2020, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center.  A visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, February 23, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. Memorials in Shirley’s name (checks made payable to Heather Nystrom) may be left at the funeral home.  

Shirley, the daughter of Frank and Betty (Kier) Illingworth, was born on August 15, 1948.  She graduated from Newton High School in 1966 and then from the Iowa School of Beauty.  Shirley worked as a cosmetologist for many years and then later at Wal-Mart in the Health and Beauty Aide section. She enjoyed taking fall trips to look at leaves and explore Iowa with her sister-in-law, Diana. She also liked to fish.  Shirley’s grandchildren called her an awesome grandma, that was so nice, and loved to give kisses and hugs.  She also affectionately referred to her grandchildren as her “pumpkins”. 

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Heather (Surber) Nystrom of Des Moines; grandchildren, Jordan (MacKenzee) Surber of Grinnell, Noah Surber of Des Moines, Maura Wilson of Des Moines, and Dominic Lacey of Des Moines; her brother, Tom (Diana) Illingworth of Newton; and nieces and nephews, Amy Revell, Michael Illingworth, Matthew Illingworth, and Laura Illingworth.  She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Doug and Denny Illingworth; and a niece, Bridget Illingworth-Williams.

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