Obituary of Helen Emmert Shires

Helen Emmert Shires, 81, died peacefully in the Intensive Care Unit at Mercy Hospital, Iowa City, Friday morning, December 24, 2010, with her husband at her side. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 28 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church with Pastor Denny Coon officiating, assisted by her daughter, Rev. Barbara Shires Blaisdell. Visitation will follow, in Fellowship Hall, over a luncheon for all attending, served by the United Methodist Women. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the St. Mark’s UMC Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Helen was born to Paul and Ruth Emmert in Mt. Carroll, Illinois on July 18, 1929. She graduated from high school there, received a two-year certificate from Kendell College in Evanston, and a B.A. degree in primary education from Southwestern In Winfield, Kansas. She then served three years as a missionary in Zimbabwe. She returned to Evanston, Illinois for a Masters Degree in Religious Education from Garrett Seminary and Northwestern University, where she also met and married, in August 1956, her husband, Dale Shires. Together they spent a mission term in Zimbabwe. While Dale enjoyed a career with ISU Extension from 1962-1995, Helen worked part-time in religious education, adult education and as a substitute teacher in Council Bluffs, Tripoli and Iowa City, then finished her working career in the Financial Aid Office at the University of Iowa. She was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, Iowa City. Helen is survived by her husband, their daughter Barbara (Chuck) Blaisdell and sons Steve (Cathy) Shires and Jim Shires, grandchildren Micah (Christi )Taylor, Becca (Michael) DeWeese, Andrew Blaisdell, Katie Blaisdell, Sarah Shires, Alaina Shires, Nathan Shires, Chris Shires and Devin Shires, and three great-grandchildren. She also is survived by brother Harold (Reva) Emmert, brother-in-law and sister-law Lisle and Julia Shires, and sister-in-law Pat Shires. Arrangements are being made by Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service.