MILESTONES » OBITUARIES

Shirley A. Fulkerson - 03/05/2010

Shirley A. Fulkerson, 95, of Reinbeck, passed away on March 5, 2010, at her home while under the care of the Cedar Valley Hospice.

Shirley was born on July 8, 1914, in Reinbeck, the daughter of Elwood James and Ella (Willer) Watson. She was one of seven children and graduated from Reinbeck High School in 1931. She was united in marriage to Joseph G. “Doc” Fulkerson on October 22, 1939, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Grundy Center. The couple settled in Reinbeck and welcomed a daughter, Mary Sue. Shirley worked at her parents’ restaurant, Watson’s Café, later purchasing it from them and running it with her husband. She then became a full time homemaker and worked seasonally for Pioneer Seed Company.

She was a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. Shirley enjoyed reading, birds and was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching golf, football, baseball and especially loved to watch the Chicago Cubs. Most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with her family. Shirley was a woman of much strength and courage and was a woman who was strong in her faith.

Shirley is survived by her daughter Mary Sue (Jim) Bader of La Porte City; grandchildren Chris (Brian) Bunz of Reinbeck and Mindy (Vince) Smith of Glidden; special granddaughter Tara (Nick) Kane of Hudson; great-grandchildren Mitchell Bunz and Corey, Cassidy and Caden Smith; special great-grandchildren Kenady and Klark Kane; two step-grandchildren; four step-great grandchildren; brother Claire (Martha) “Jonsey” Watson of Reinbeck; sister-in-law Candy Watson; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband JG “Doc” Fulkerson; grandson Matt Diehm; brothers Elwood “Hans”, Ross “Snipe”, Guy “Mike” and Ray “Codge” Watson and sister Edythe “Ede” Christiansen.

A mass of christian burial was held on March 10, 2010, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Reinbeck with burial at the Reinbeck Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

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