Shirley Anne Hulse

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Steven’s Memorial Chapel, 607 28th Street, Ames, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Steven’s Memorial Chapel. Burial will be in Ames Municipal Cemetery following the service.

Shirley was born in Wellington, Kansas, on February 16, 1933, to Florence and Rector Davis the second oldest of three children- Geraldine, Shirley, and Don Jr. Geraldine and Shirley, while sisters, were also best friends maintaining a strong bond their whole life. Shirley graduated with honors from high school in 1951 and received a scholarship to Texas Christian in Fort Worth, TX. She married her high school sweetheart, Don Hulse, on May 29, 1954.

Shirley worked at Boeing Aircraft Company and then transferred to an insurance company while Don finished his degree in microbiology. Don went on to work at the State Laboratory in Iowa City where their children, Anne and Brian were born (1960, 1964). The Hulse family moved to Ames, IA in 1966 where Don worked for the National Animal Disease Lab. As Shirley raised her children, she typed theses and dissertations for Iowa State students. Shirley attended Iowa State University from 1976-1981 earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Institutional Management with a College Food and Housing Administration major. She then worked for Iowa State University and the Ames School system. Toward the end of their respective careers, Don & Shirley owned and operated a Dairy Queen on Lincoln Way. While running the Dairy Queen in their “retirement” Don and Shirley pursued their love of travel, amassing a collection of keepsake souvenir bells from each destination. Shirley started her life in a small house where ice was delivered weekly for refrigeration and taxi rides cost five cents to flying across oceans and scrolling on an iPad. Shirley lived an amazing life, complete with heartache, accomplishment, and love forging her into the mainstay so many came to know.

Shirley is survived by her son, Brian Hulse; her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, Don Hulse; daughter, Anne Woods; brother, Donald Davis; sister, Geraldine Cantrell, and brother-in-law George Cantrell.

Shirley will be remembered as an independent woman, adept co-worker, devoted church member, successful business owner, reliable volunteer, world traveler, wife, mother, grandmother, and ruthless card player. Steady, present, and loyal; Shirley could always be counted on. She did what she said and said what she meant all the while maintaining her signature diplomatic poise. She was the first to crack a self-deprecating joke and to bring a meal to a friend. Her wry intelligent wit could cut through just about any barrier endearing her immediately. Her thoughtful cards, phone calls, and visits will be missed.

We are devastated by our loss. It was our privilege to have known and loved her. She was a bright thread woven so tightly into the tapestry of our life and community that there will be a noticeable tear with her passing.

Memorials may be directed to the family in loving memory of Shirley. Flowers are welcome.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.StevensMemorialChapel.com for the Hulse family.