Shirley Beal, 69, of Oskaloosa, died Monday, December 12, 2011, at the Keokuk Area Hospital in Keokuk. She was born on November 7, 1942, at Oskaloosa, the daughter of Kenneth and Juanita Binns Mabee. She graduated from the Oskaloosa high School with the class of 1960, and furthered her education at McPhearson Christian College at McPhearson, Kansas. On May 11, 1963, she was united in marriage to Martin Beal, at Showlow, Arizona. The family moved back and forth from Arixona to Oskaloosa before finally settling in Oskaloosa in 1977. Shirley worked as a nurse's aide at Siesta Park for many years. She then cleaned houses and businesses in and around Oskaloosa. Lastly she worked at Casey's as a doughnut maker, retiring from there in 1997. In retirement she accepted her favorite position of caring for and spoiling her grandchildrren. She enjoyed crocheting, puzzles, aluminum tins, yellow roses, and kitty cats. She was very proud of the fact that she attended all of her son Jimmy's high school football games. She delighted in spending time with her family, and kept them all well and healthy with the 'cure all' Vick's Vapor Rub.

Her family includes her husband of over 48 years, Martin Beal of Oskaloosa; four children: Tony Beal(April Evans)of Oskaloosa, Nancy(Casey)Hegwood of Oskaloosa, Tammy Kindley(Ryan Fuhs)of Knoxville, and Jimmy Beal(Tiffany Rempe)of Oskaloosa; 6 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; a brother and his wife: Dennis and Kathy Mabee of Oskaloosa; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter: Tina Beal; and a grandson: Robby Davis.

A memorial service will be held Friday, December 16, 2011, at 11 am in the Good News Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Alvern Boetsma officiating. According to her wishes her body has been cremated and no visitation is planned. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Shirley Beal Memorial Fund.