Shirley Jean (Terrell) Rammelsberg,15 Dec 1929 - 16 Mar 2025

RAMMELSBERG, TERRELL, SCHONBORN, EWER, THOMAS, CREWS, GESLING, PAULSEN

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 3/26/2025 at 14:16:45

With much sadness, the family of Shirley Jean Rammelsberg, 95, announces her passing Sunday, March 16, 2025. Mom passed peacefully at Colonial Manor, Amana, Iowa. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre, 2121 Bowling Street SW, Cedar Rapids. The Service will follow at 10 a.m. The burial will be in Anderson Cemetery, Swisher

Shirley was born on December 15, 1929, in Hinsdale, Illinois to Charles and Hulda (Schonborn) Terrell. She grew up in the Iowa City, Iowa area where she attended University High School in Iowa City. She met and married Dean M. Rammelsberg on February 14, 1949. Shirley and Dean had four children. The couple was later divorced.

Shirley worked at the Ox Yoke Inn, Amana, as a cook for 20 years and at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, as a housekeeper for 10 years, retiring in 1994. In retirement, she continued her work with Mercy as a volunteer, accruing 5000 volunteer hours. As a regular blood donor, Shirley was a member of the 15-gallon Club. She called Fairfax, Iowa, her home for the past 32 years.

Shirley was a member of the Clover Ridge United Methodist Church, Walford. She was an avid gardener, preserving and sharing her garden goodies. She loved to bake as well as make jams and jellies. Strawberry rhubarb jam was her specialty. Shirley had much love for her Siamese 'kitties'. She enjoyed her newspaper, jigsaw puzzles, and word games. Traveling to visit family brought her great joy. A proud Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma, there was nothing she loved more than family.

Shirley is survived by her children, Lynde Rammelsberg of Lincoln, California.; Marilyn (Ron) Ewer of Tucson, Arizona.; Jim Rammelsberg of Swisher, Iowa.; Margaret Thomas of Williamsburg, Iowa.; Larry Rammelsberg of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.; Johnny (Amy) Rammelsberg of Franklin, Virginia.; brother Ernie Terrell of Moline, Illinois.; son-in-law Chuck Crews of Columbia, Missouri.; daughter-in-law Roberta (Jay) Thomas Gesling of Tipton, Iowa.; sister-in-law Carol Terrell of Geneseo, Illinois.; 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; brother Joe Terrell; sister-in-law Sherrill Terrell; son Richard Thomas; daughter Evelyn 'Evy' Crews; granddaughter Jennifer Rammelsberg; sister-in-law Dorothy Paulsen; brother-in-law Bob Paulsen; brother Dick Terrell; and sister-in-law Delpha Terrell.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the staff of Colonial Manor and Essence of Life Hospice for the loving care and support of their Mom.

Memorial donations may be made to the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department, Fairfax, Iowa. in her name.

Published in The Gazette on March 19, 2025.