Shirley Ann Pepples

Shirley Ann Pepples, 75, of Parkersburg, passed away on October 18, 2023, at MercyOne in Waterloo, Iowa, after a long illness.

Shirley was born on August 24, 1948, in Red Oak, Iowa, to Dale and Darlene (Bredberg) Williams. She grew up on a farm in Northwest Montgomery County near the community of Wales; Williams being a very Welsh name. Shirley was very active in 4-H while growing up, including showing cattle at the county fair. She graduated from Red Oak High School in 1966. That fall she started college at the University of Northern Iowa (then still the State College of Iowa), graduating in 1970, with a degree in Elementary/Special Education. While attending UNI, she met her husband of 53 years, Ronald Pepples, in 1968, and they married in 1970, in Red Oak.

Shirley and Ron then moved to Marengo, Iowa, where Shirley taught while Ron finished law school at the University of Iowa. In 1973, they moved to the Parkersburg area, first living in Aplington for a year before moving to Parkersburg and building their present home. Shirley and Ron welcomed their three daughters: Sarah, Jill, and Amy. Shirley returned to UNI to become a Certified Public Accountant, passing the CPA exam on the first try in 1981. She then was a practicing CPA in Parkersburg for 42 years, until her passing.

Shirley taught accounting principles and tax for years as an adjunct professor at Buena Vista University – Marshalltown Campus. She was active in many volunteer and service organizations, including the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), Christian Women's Club, Special Olympics, and a radio reader for the blind through IRIS at UNI. She was very involved in 4-H, receiving a distinguished award from the Iowa 4-H Foundation. Shirley served as church treasurer and as an elder. She also participated in the lay pastor course through the Presbyterian Church USA.

Shirley loved baseball and was a massive Chicago Cubs fan. Shirley enjoyed sewing and crafts. She made each of her daughters their "First Day of School" outfits and enjoyed crocheting. Shirley especially enjoyed making things for her granddaughters, including Tooth Fairy dolls, kitties, puppies, and unicorns. She loved attending her daughters' and granddaughters' activities.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Ron, of Parkersburg; her brother Richard (Brenda) Williams of Stanton; her three daughters, Sarah Pepples of Parkersburg; Jill (Timothy) Chelesvig of Cedar Falls, and Amy (David) McKelvy of Solon; her three granddaughters, Kinzey and Carly McKelvy and Landry Chelesvig; her niece and nephews, Josh Poe, Janae (Bengt) Olson, Justin (Kourtney) Williams, and Jordan Williams, and many cousins, great-nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

The family requests that donations be made to the Parkersburg, Iowa, Fire Department for use by the Ambulance Service.

Visitation, 4:00-6:00 PM, Thursday, October 26, 2023, Parkesburg United Methodist Church, Parkersburg, Iowa

Funeral Service, 10:00 AM Friday, October 27, 2023, at the church.

Friends are invited to stay at the church after the service for a luncheon and fellowship with the family.

Committal, 2:00PM Friday, October 27, 2023, Garden of Memories, Waterloo, Iowa