Shirley Ann Geist, 95, formerly of Waterloo, died on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at The Watermark in Oro Valley, AZ.

She was born August 18, 1929, in Waterloo and was the daughter of Charles and Pauline McElroy.

Shirley graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1947 and attended Iowa State Teacher’s College (now UNI) for two years.

She married her high school sweetheart John “Jack” Geist on May 21, 1950.

After college, she worked at John Deere as a private secretary in the Parts Department until her two children were born. From that time, she was a stay-at-home Mom to care for her family. She was a volunteer in many activities, was a co-manager of the Covenant Medical Center Gift Shop for several years and was the choir director/pianist for many years at Grace Reformed Church in Waterloo.

Shirley is survived by her son, Greg (Lyn) Geist of Oro Valley, AZ; two grandsons, Matt and Jack; two great grandsons and cousin, Kathy Thompson.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 65 years, Jack; daughter, Laurie; grandson, Ryan and sister, Carole.

Memorial Service: 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Grace Reformed Church, Waterloo.

Private family burial in Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials in Shirley’s memory may be sent to Grace Reformed Church 520 Maxwell St., Waterloo, IA 50701.

Locke on 4th is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com.