Shirley Jean Andrews' Obituary
Shirley Jean (Stoklasa) Andrews, 85 of Allerton, Iowa passed away at the Wayne County Hospital on April 25, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.
Shirley Jean Stoklasa was born on September 6, 1940, to Wenzel and Katherine Stoklasa in the small town of Cainsville, Missouri. In 1950, the family moved to Allerton, where Shirley would eventually face the heartbreaking loss of her mother in August 1956. For the remainder of her high school years, it was just Shirley and her father, Wenzel, supporting one another until her graduation from Allerton High School in 1958.
During those years in high school, Shirley began dating Larry Eugene Andrews. While waiting for Larry to propose, she moved to Des Moines to begin her professional life. Missing her dearly and tired of the distance, Larry finally "popped the question," and the two were wed on June 12, 1960. That same year, Shirley's family grew as her father married Dorothy "Irene" Seals, bringing a stepmother and siblings into her life. Larry and Shirley settled into a farmhouse west of Allerton, where they raised their two sons, Barry and Kevin. In addition to her work as a dedicated farmwife, Shirley shared her talents with the community through her bookwork for the Allerton Gas Company and Allerton Feed and Grain. The course of Shirley's life changed forever on November 29, 2011, with the passing of Larry, the true love of her life.
While Shirley took pride in many things, her greatest joy was found in her children and the beautiful family they built. She was a devoted grandmother to her five granddaughters-Makayla, Bailey, Raeshel, Cheyenne, and Paige-and her grandson, Kyle, who truly remained the light of her life. Shirley never missed a chance to cheer them on, frequently seen and heard-on the sidelines of their many activities. A spirited supporter, she was known for her enthusiastic cheering and, on occasion, for making sure the officials knew exactly how she felt about their calls. Shirley had a wonderful sense of fun and a bit of a competitive streak; she was always ready for a lively card game and never lost her sense of optimism when it came to a lottery ticket.
Shirley was a woman of immense strength and courage, a two-time survivor who faced both colon and ovarian cancer with unwavering resolve. Though she later faced a difficult journey with kidney failure, she met every challenge with the heart of a fighter.
Shirley's long and courageous battle came to a peaceful end on April 25, 2026. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.
Those left to cherish Shirley's memory include her sons, Barry Andrews and his wife Tracy, and Kevin Andrews. Her legacy of love continues through her grandchildren: Makayla Andrews and her husband Franck, Kyle Andrews and his wife Chantel, Bailey Andrews, Raeshel Williams and her husband Tristin, Cheyenne Andrews, and Paige Andrews. She is also remembered by a wide circle of extended family and many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Andrews; father, Wenzel Stoklasa; mother, Katherine Stoklasa; step-mother, Dorothy "Irene" (Seals) Stoklasa and in-laws, Homer and Thelma Andrews.
Services for Shirley can be livestreamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/shirley-andrews-2026
Funeral Services for Shirley will be held Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon, Iowa with burial to immediately follow at the Allerton Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Thursday, April 30, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon, Iowa. Memorials in honor of Shirley may be made to Wayne County Fair and mailed to Thomas Funeral Home Attn: Andrews Family PO Box 294 Corydon, Iowa 50060. Condolences may be shared online at https://www.thomasfh.com> or
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