BIRD, Shirley Lou 1931-2010

BIRD

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 6/20/2013 at 01:45:41

[Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, November 18, 2010]

IDA GROVE, Iowa - Authorities say an autopsy has determined that an elderly Ida Grove woman bled to death after being bitten by her German shepherd.

Ida County Sheriff Wade Harriman said deputies responded to the home of 79-year-old Shirley Lou Bird Monday after being notified by her nephew, who had been unable to contact Bird for several days.

At the home, 502 Moorehead St., deputies found Bird's deceased body, which had several bite marks, including a deep bite wound on her arm.

Harriman said authorities believe Bird was bitten several times by her 5-year-old German shepherd and she went into the bathroom to stop the bleeding. An autopsy conducted by the Iowa State Medical Examiner's Office determined that she died from blood loss.

Family members said Bird had a hard time controlling the dog and previously suffered bite and scratch marks, according to Harriman.

"It was a pretty aggressive dog," he said. "It wouldn't let anyone in the house when she wasn't there."

The dog has been euthanized.

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Shirley Bird, age 79, of Ida Grove, Iowa, died unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, November 9, 2010.

Memorial services were be held Monday, November 22, 2010, at the First United Methodist Church in Ida Grove, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes. The Reverend Chad Lierman officiated, with burial in the Ida Grove Cemetery.

Born May 4, 1931, in Ida Grove, Iowa, Shirley Lou Bird was the daughter of Frank and Matilda (Senhen) Stryker. She grew up and received her education in Ida Grove, graduating from Ida Grove High School with the class of 1949.

Shirley married Rhule Bird following his service in the United States Air Force, and was blessed with two sons, Brian and Allan. She was a devoted caregiver to Brian, who had Down's Syndrome. Shirley also worked with her husband at the Reminder, which they established in 1950. After Rhule's death in 1963, Shirley continued on with the Reminder, hiring her sister, Marge Rector, and her nephew, Roger Rector, who eventually purchased the newspaper.

Shirley was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Ida Grove, served on the Morningside Review Committee, and belonged to PEO Chapter CB. She enjoyed bowling in her younger years and was an avid reader. She enjoyed her contacts with business people and will be remembered for her unique sense of humor.

Survivors include a son, Allan (Kathy) Bird of Glenwood; three granddaughters, Ashley, Brooke, and Allison Bird; a brother-in-law, Bill Bird of Des Moines; a nephew, Roger (Karen) Rector of Ida Grove; and a niece, Cheryl (Ron) Briscoe of Omaha, NE.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Rhule; a son, Brian Bird; her parents; and a sister, Marge Rector.

Funeral services: Monday, November 22, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at First Methodist Church in Ida Grove, with burial at Ida Grove Cemetery.

[Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home]