Shirley A. Straight, 63

Shirley A. Straight, 63, of Emerson, passed away following a brief illness, Nov. 3, 2010, at the Immanuel Medical Center in Omaha, Neb.

Shirley April Straight, the daughter of Adrian Daryl (A.D.) and Mabel Genevieve (Archer) Fleming was born April 1, 1947, in Malvern. Shirley’s early years and youth was lived in Strahan, and later Emerson. She was involved in Rainbow thru her high school years. Shirley graduated from Nishna Valley High School in 1965. Following high school, Shirley attended cosmetology school and worked as a hairdresser for many years. In 1994, she opened her café, Shirley’s Home Café in Emerson. Shirley was a people person; she enjoyed visiting with everyone who came into her café. Her passion was cooking. She not only cooked at the café, she catered many parties and gatherings around southwest Iowa. Shirley loved the color purple and collecting chickens, as was evident by her collection in the café. Shirley was a big supporter of area youth. For many years, she purchased Mills County 4-H grand champion poultry and other entries. On Oct. 17, 2010, she was inducted into the Mills County 4-H as an honorary member. She was also active in East Mills / Nishna Valley PTO, sponsoring Shirley’s Night at the café. Recently, she enjoyed traveling and visiting family and friends throughout the country. Shirley was a member of the First Baptist Church and Eastern Star, both of Emerson.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and companion Dwaine Jipsen.
Shirley is survived by her three sons: James Straight and wife Dawn of Centerton, Ark.; Andrew Straight and wife Mindy of Queen Creek, Ariz.; and Melvin Straight and wife Jennifer of Cumming, Ga.; daughter: Debra Lamb of Red Oak; 12 grandchildren: Megan, Jayme, Madison, Abby, McKenna, Emily, J.D., A.J., Travis, Dusty, Brad and Devon; two great-grandchildren: Max and Nolan; three sisters: Janet Fisher and husband Robert of Glenwood; Vivian Kreais and husband Francis of  Beaumont, Calif.; and Ann Hall and husband Don of Osage Beach, Mo.; nieces, nephews, other family members and a host of friends.
May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.
Funeral service was held Nov. 6 at the First Baptist Church in Emerson. Burial was in Emerson Cemetery, in Emerson with Rev. Mark Smeltzer officiating.
Memorials may be made in Shirley’s name in lieu of flowers.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.sldfuneralhome.com
Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.