Shirley Ruth Maxwell

Shirley Ruth Maxwell, age 88, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on December 14, 2023, at Mitchell County Regional Healthcare Center in Osage, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at United Methodist Church in St. Ansgar with Martha Chancellor officiating. Burial will be at the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023, from 5:00 pm. to 7:00 p.m. at Champion Funeral Home in Osage. Shirley was born in Fairfield, Iowa on October 15, 1935, the daughter of Andy and Ruth (Morrill) Harrison. Shirley spent her formative years in Fairfield, where she received her education in the public schools. Shirley's professional journey included roles at Universal Producing Co. in Fairfield, Dunlap-Haakenson Insurance Agency, and the Osage Chamber of Commerce. She also served as a trial court clerk in the Office of Clerk of District Court. Beyond her career, Shirley found joy in various activities such as walking, golfing (earning many awards and trophies), and engaging in creative pursuits like sewing, knitting, painting, and crafting. She was an avid reader and cherished moments spent with family and friends. On November 27, 1955, Shirley married the love of her life, Richard Alan “Al” Maxwell, in Fairfield, Iowa. They began their life together in Fairfield, later moving to Traer in 1958, and finally settling in Osage in 1959. Post retirement, Shirley and Al spent winters in Harlingen, Texas, cultivating new friendships and indulging in activities like golfing, flea market shopping, and dancing. Al preceded her in death on July 13, 2002. Shirley was also preceded in death by her father, mother, brother William “Bill” Harrison, sister-in-law Lois Harrison, sister-in law Carol (Maxwell) Nemgar, brother in-law Fritz Nemgar, and infant son Mark Alan Maxwell. Shirley is survived by her sisters Carol (Bruce) Millhollin, Kay (Harvey) McCleary, Christy (Bob) Popejoy, and her loving children Susan Maxwell, Shari Wells, and Cynthia (Tracy) Johnson. Her memory lives on through her grandchildren Alyssa (Brett) Blazicek, Ryan Wells, Scott (Dominique) Wells, Steven Johnson, Chris Johnson, Courtney Johnson (partner Erik), and Lindsey James (fiancée Dan), as well as her six great-grandchildren. Active in her community, Shirley was a member of the First Christian Church in Fairfield, Iowa, the First United Methodist Church of Osage, Iowa, the hospital auxiliary of Mitchell County, the Naomi Circle at Osage First United Methodist, and the Sunny Brae Golf and Country Club. May her soul rest in peace. Champion Funeral Home, Osage, 641-732-3706,