Shirley May Skarlis

Shirley May Pannhoff Skarlis, 89, of Waterloo, died Monday, March 11, 2024, while a resident at Wellspring Living Health Center at Friendship Village. She was born May 26, 1934, in Mason City, the daughter of Casper and Mabel Fisher Pannhoff. Shirley graduated from Garner High School in 1952 and married J. George Skarlis on January 30, 1965, in Owatonna, MN.

Shirley was a loving, caring, talented and driven woman who enjoyed people and especially her grandchildren. She loved flowers, gardening, and was a very talented cook-especially French and Greek cooking. As a young woman, Shirley managed a radio station in Mason City and as a reporter for that station, was one of the first people on the scene of the Buddy Holly plane crash. She also flew with the Blue Angels in 1960. Shirley was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution and St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.

Shirley is survived by her husband, George, son John (Angela) Skarlis of Cedar Falls, daughter-in-law Michelle Skarlis of Denver, 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Thomas, daughter Susan Ott-Wisner, and sister Betty Evans.

Funeral Service for Shirley will be Friday, March 15, 2024, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 613 W 4th St, Waterloo, with burial to follow at Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will greet friends Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 5-7 PM with a Trisagion Service at 7 PM, at Locke on 4th Street, 1519 W 4th St. Waterloo. Memorial contributions should be directed to the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.