Memorial

Shirley Ann Darling died peacefully on January 30th in Elsberry, Missouri, after a year of dealing with peripheral arterial disease. The folks at Elsberry Health Care Center cared for her lovingly and filled her last days with laughter and friendship.

Shirley was born on January 27th, 1942 to Asa and Regina Wilson, of Cedar Rapids. She attended Trinity Lutheran School, graduated from Washington High School and later obtained a degree at Shoals Community College. On September 16, 1959 she married Daniel Stephen Michael Darling, the love of her life. Before she began having children she worked for a time at Collins Radio. She loved to spend time listening to her husband's grand plans and taking care of her family.

An avid crossword puzzler, Shirley was a worthy Scrabble opponent in her day.  She also loved to watch old T.V. shows and mysteries. She had a good sense of humor and often made people laugh unexpectedly - especially those caring for her in her final years.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Stephen, her daughter Venus Hargett, and her son Stephen Darling. 

Survivors include her sons Dean (Judy) Darling of Marion & Brian Darling of Hiawatha; her daughters Angela (Hector) Lopez of Cedar Rapids & Danielle (Nathan) Tippy of Troy, MO; her sisters Dorothy Clary of El Paso, TX & Carol Fioravanti of Scarsdale, NY; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are her grandchildren Jeremiah, Jessica, Samantha, Erika, Adriana, Molly, Daniela, Bethany, David, Deborah, Rebekah, Joshua, and Jonathan; great grandchildren, Justin, Emma, Sufya, Layla, Jayla, and Mikayla.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7th at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home, 4200 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. Visitation is from 1 to 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to the family.