Shirley Ann Breakbill 92, of Montrose, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Birkwood Village of Fort Madison, Iowa.
She was born September 19, 1933, in Carthage, Illinois, the daughter of Ralph William and Fern Thompson Grisham.
On August 31, 1973, Shirley was united in marriage to Theodore Breakbill in Quincy, Illinois. He preceded her in death on August 29, 2005.
Shirley worked in the food service and manufacturing industries throughout her life. She was employed by the Chuck Wagon and served as manager of the Buffeteria restaurant at Montgomery Ward. She also worked as a waitress at Tipenbud and the Keokuk Country Club, where she was well known for her excellent service. Later, she was employed at Sheller-Globe and retired from Sheaffer Pen. Following retirement she worked at Ty’s Greenhouse.
She was raised Baptist, attended Calvary Community Church, and later became active in the Catholic Church.
Shirley had many creative talents and hobbies. She enjoyed word search puzzles and quilting, made Amish dolls, and spent time creating folk art and crafts. She also sewed clothing for her daughters and painted small folk art and carvings made by her husband, Ted, along with other paintings and drawings.
She is survived by her two daughters, Penny Sue (Wesley) Oakes of Collbran, Colorado, and Leslie Winona (Tom) Smutzer of Fort Madison, Iowa; her son, James Wesley (Stephanie) Worrell of Durham, North Carolina; nine grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, a bonus daughter, Trinette (Mike) Winn of Keokuk, Iowa.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Rex Eugene Worrell; a grandson, Tommy Oakes; brothers Ed, Cleo, Leroy, and Raymond Sr.; sister Betty Olomon; and a child in infancy.
Visitation will be held 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with the family meeting with friends at that time. A Celebration of Life will follow at Rand Park in Keokuk.
Memorials may be made to EveryStep Hospice.
The family would like to thank Dr. Peters of Burlington for his love and care he provided.
