Shirley M. (Coulson) Hograbe

Shirley Mae Hograbe, age 87, of Dows passed away Wednesday January 13,2016 at the Sheffield Care Center.

Funeral services for Shirley M. Hograbe will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday January 78,2016 at Morgan United Methodist Church east of Dows. Pastor Judy Eilders will officiate. Burial will take place in the Morgan Township Cemetery.

Shirley Mae was born on February 24, 1928 in Belmond to Robert and Ruth (Harlow) Coulson. Shirley attended school in Belmond and graduated in 1946. She went on to further her education, attending the Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Upon graduating, she was hired by the Popejoy School District to implement a kindergarten program.

Shirley married Bob Hograbe on July 16, 1950. They had two children: Becky Ackerman and John Hograbe. In 1953, Bob was drafted and joined the Army, he and Shirley moved to Tacoma, Washington for two years, where their daughter, Becky, was bom. Upon discharge, Shirley and Bob returned to Dows to their farm.

Shirley was an active member of the Morgan United Methodist Church, she taught Sunday school and Bible school, and was secretary for the United Methodist Woman's group, as well as serving on several committees. Her faith was important to her and the many friendships she had with the church members meant a great deal to her. Shirley also served on the Dows Library Board. Shirley loved to read and passed this passion on to her family especially her son, John. Shirley loved spending time with her family and friends. Her great-granddaughters have many wonderful memories of Shirley teaching them how to bake and decorate cookies. She and Bob were part of a card club that played cards together for nearly sixty years. Shirley enjoyed music of all kinds, her favorite being sacred and barbershop. Her true passion in life, was traveling and seeing the country side, she and Bob had several wonderful trips together.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 65 years Bob, two children: Becky Ackerman and her husband Dwight of Clear Lake, John Hograbe of Dows. One granddaughter Kathy and her husband James Huse of Ventura, three great granddaughters: Ali Huse and Andi Huse of Clear Lake and Alicia Huse of Ventura, one great great-grandson Tavin of Clear Lake. Brother Bill (Lorraine) Coulson of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, sister Caren (Jerry) Courter of Independence, MO.

She is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Ruth Coulson, sister Jean Coulson, parents-in-law Lydia and Harry Hograbe, and brother and sister-in-law Harry and Gladys Hograbe.