Shirley Ann Hopewell, 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center, Iowa, surrounded by the love of her family. Shirley loved Jesus, and we are confident she entered Heaven dancing the jitterbug. In God’s perfect timing, she was welcomed home on the birthday of her beloved husband, Tom—what a joyful reunion that must have been.

Shirley was born on August 11, 1936, in Silex, Missouri, the daughter of Forrest Wilson and Jennie L. Liles. Jennie later married James D. Bohon, who lovingly helped raise Shirley as his own. She attended grade school in Bowling Green, Missouri, before moving to Burlington, Iowa, where she attended Prospect Hill Elementary School and Horace Mann Junior High School, graduating from Burlington High School in 1954.

Following high school, Shirley worked at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown, Iowa, where she held a top-security position as an administrative secretary. She later served as secretary to the President and General Manager, James Fitzgibbon, at Midwest Manufacturing Corporation.

After moving to Adel, Iowa, Shirley became the high school secretary at ADM Schools, working under Principals Stan Norenberg and Greg DeTimmerman. She often said this was her dream job. Shirley treated students as if they were her own children and had a remarkable gift for making every student feel seen, valued, and cared for. She was deeply loved by both students and staff.

Spending time with family and attending the many sporting events and activities of her children and grandchildren brought Shirley her greatest joy. An avid photographer, she captured thousands of memories over the years and lovingly created scrapbooks for her children and grandchildren, as well as reprints for many others.

Shirley is survived by her children: Lisa (John) Daugherty; Tom Hopewell III; Brenda (Bill) Vernon; and Karen (Joel) Jacobsen. She is also survived by her sisters, Bonnie Jordan and Judy Payne of Burlington; brother-in-law Mark Hopewell of Burlington; sister-in-law Marilyn Hopewell of California; grandchildren Adam Daugherty and Ashley (Joe) Morris; Mason (Kayla) Hopewell, Jarrett Hopewell, and Hogan (Courtney) Hopewell; Taylor Vernon and Haley (Matt) Miniea; and Molly (Robbie) McCargar, Abby Jacobsen, and Emma Jacobsen. She is further survived by ten great-grandchildren—Madi, Frank, Jack, Gus, Kiah, CJ, Callie, Sawyer, Marley, and Isabella—as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom; her parents; her son, Mike Hopewell; sisters-in-law Betty Ertz, Barbara Cain, and Beverly Ann Hopewell; and brothers-in-law Dennis Hopewell, Roy Ertz, and Dick Cain.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Spurgeon Manor for the compassionate and loving care given to Shirley over the past ten years.