Shirley Whitlatch
Shirley Whitlatch
Shirley Whitlatch
January 3, 1939 – December 28, 2022
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 83
Shirley McFadden Whitlatch, age 83, of Oskaloosa, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at the Crystal Heights Care Center. She was born on January 3, 1939, in Oskaloosa, the daughter of Homer and Helen (Lesher) McFadden.
Shirley attended Lincoln School. They then moved to Beacon, and she attended Beacon school and Beacon Methodist Church. She then went to Oskaloosa Senior High School.
During that time, Shirley worked at A & W Root Beer for Rip and Joy. There she met the love of her life, Gerald “Skip” Whitlatch, August 13, 1954. On New Year’s Eve 1955 they were engaged. Shirley then went to work for Blakley’s Drug Store. On July 20, 1957, Shirley McFadden was united in marriage to Gerald “Skip” Whitlatch. They were married 55 years and 7 months. They had three sons and one daughter.
Shirley enjoyed spending time with her husband and family but was especially fond of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She and Skip made countless trips to ball games and band events to watch their children and grandchildren perform and a granddaughter at her dance competitions.
Shirley enjoyed doing ceramics and made a Christmas village, Precious Moments, bells and had an Elvis Presley collection. Shirley enjoyed Christmas with Skip, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Shirley had every room in their house and basement decorated. A nephew, Ron Brown, told her it was magical to him. Shirley and Skip had a large garden and Shirley canned everything.
Shirley’s family includes their three children and spouses: Lyle and Nancy Whitlatch of Oskaloosa, Aron Whitlatch of Beacon and Jodi and Steve Hiemstra, of Oskaloosa; 15 grandchildren: Michael, Quinten, Heather, Johnny, Terry, Ben, Dustin, Nathan, Tabitha, Shannon, T.J., Gillian, Sean, Gibb and Aundrea; 32 great granchildren, and two more in February; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; a brother, Dale McFadden; and very special friend Rosemary Long.
Shirley was preceded in death by her father and mother; her husband, Gerald “Skip Whitlatch; a son, Gary Lee; a grandson, Johnathan; a sister, Phyllis Simmons; mother-in-law, Anna Meidma; many aunts and uncles; nephews, Kyle and Joel; grandparents: Frank and Alice McFadden, and Edward and Lucy Lesher; a daughter in law, Diane Whitlatch; and special friend Jack Long.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with pastor Alvern Boetsma officiating.
Burial will follow services in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 3, beginning after 12 noon at the Bates Funeral Chapel with the family present from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday evening to greet relatives and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Crystal Heights Activity Fund.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Shirley Whitlatch please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
