Shirley Chester

Shirley Chester, 78, of Atlantic, Iowa died, Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Atlantic Specialty Care.

Shirley Elaine Chester was born on March 19, 1945, to Floyd and Helen (Stender) Chester at the old hospital in Atlantic, Iowa.  In her youth Shirley was active in 4-H and attended most church activities including vacation Bible school and many church camps in the area.  She grew up on a farm in rural Massena with her brothers and sisters, attended country school through the 6^th grade and graduated from Cumberland/Massena High School in 1963.  Throughout her life, Shirley enjoyed collecting, crafting and was an avid reader.   

During Shirley’s career she was employed at Husker News, Van’s Chat & Chew, Atlantic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and retired after turning 70 from MAHLE Engine Components, Inc. in Atlantic.   She loved to travel, but especially looked forward to spending a week at the Iowa State Fair each year and occasional trips to Branson, Missouri.  

Ultimately, Shirley had a peaceful, humble life where her weekends were often spent with her mother, attending church, teaching Bible school and being a faithful follower of Jesus.  She will always be remembered for her thoughtfulness toward others, including, but not limited to, her brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends during holidays, birthdays and other special occasions.       

She is survived by her brothers, Dallas (Grace) Chester of Jones, Michigan and Richard (Margo) Chester of Massena, Iowa; sister, Eleanor Heathman of Toddville, Iowa; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Helen (Stender) Chester and sister, Barbara Miller.

Visitation with the family present will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, February 12, 2024, at Roland Funeral Service in Atlantic.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at Trinity Christian Church in Bridgewater, Iowa, followed by a luncheon at the church.  A private family burial will be held at Newlon’s Grove Cemetery, southwest of Cumberland, Iowa.

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Shirley’s family and her arrangements.  Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.