Shirley F. McBeth
Shirley F. McBeth
Shirley F. McBeth
May 8, 1931 – June 9, 2017
Ottumwa, Iowa | Age 86
Shirlee McBeth, 86, of Ottumwa, beloved wife of Earnest McBeth, mother and very special Gram, passed away Friday, June 9, 2017 at Vista Woods Care Center, Ottumwa. Shirlee was born to Lloyd & Gladys Williams on May 8, 1931.
Shirlee grew up on a farm near Delta and lived her entire life in Delta, Fremont and Ottumwa.
After graduating from Delta High School and beauty school Shirlee opened her first Lady McBeth Beauty Salon in 1954 at the Fremont Hotel and later salons in Fremont and Ottumwa. Shirlee had a unique way of making all of her customers feel beautiful inside and out.
Later, many knew her as the co-owner/matriarch of Canteen Lunch in the Alley for nearly 40 years where a good meal and a warm, community atmosphere prevailed.
As busy as she was, she always found time for her passion as an avid collector of antiques, specializing in Victoriana. Shirlee took great joy in decorating and entertaining at Christmas with family and friends in their home on Market Street. She was a member of the United Methodist Churches in Delta, Fremont and Ottumwa.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 69 years, Earnest McBeth; two sons: Mark (& Kathe) McBeth of Charlotte, NC and Christen (& Jennifer) McBeth of Laurel, MD; three granddaughters: Marki McBeth of Charlotte, NC, Amanda (& Steve) Hoyt-McBeth of Portland, OR, and Meghan McBeth of Laurel, MD; step-granddaughter, Lisa Tuders (& John) of Harrisburg, NC; great-grandchildren: Katrina & Harriett; and step-great grandchildren: Claudia, Joseph and Vincent.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd & Gladys Williams; and sister, Lauralee Staley of Oskaloosa.
Visitation will begin Tuesday, June 13 after 1:00 at the Fremont Funeral Chapel, with the family present from 5 to 7 pm to greet friends and relatives.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 14 at 10:30 am at the Fremont Funeral Chapel with Rev. Bob Voels officiating.
Burial will be in the Cedar Township Memorial Cemetery (south of Fremont).
Memorials may be made to the Fremont United Methodist Church.
