Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa

Annette Elaine, daughter of Russell A. and Eleanor F. WEEDA SHIELDS, was born Sunday, July 27, 1952, in Ringgold County at Mount Ayr, Iowa. On Sunday, Sept. 9, 1979, she departed this life at the Afton Health Care Center in Union County at the age of 27 years, 1 month and 13 days. Her entire life was spent at the farm home of her parents in Tingley township, Tingley, Iowa.

Annette's gentle smile, beautiful big blue eyes and her sunny disposition brought joy to the home where she was welcomed by three older brothers. She loved her school work, sports, enjoyed reading books, writing letters, and studied piano. She was an active 4-H member for many years and won many awards on her exhibits. This included a blue ribbon on her county 4-H demonstration and a blue ribbon award on a project at the Iowa State Fair.

As a sophomore in high school, Annette was diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis. With courage and enthusiasm she continued participating in many activities, her goals set high, in spite of illness. She joined the Wishard Chapel Church and was loyal in church attendance and enjoyed the activities of the MYF. She attended as long as her health permitted.

Annette graduated from Mount Ayr Community high school in 1970 with scholastic honors. She was inducted into the Honor Society her junior year. She received a diploma from the Occupational Course at Southwestern Community College in July, 1971. She worked at the Dog & Suds through high school and at the A&W while attending college. After graduation from college, Annette worked in Younkers accounting department in Des Moines until her illness made this impossible.

God's purpose for Annette's life seemed different than for most people. Visitors ame hoping to give her a blessing and went away having received the blessing themselves from her cheerful, sunny, uncomplaining attitude.

She endeared herself to the hearts of people where she was. Although she suffered much, she made supreme efforts to accomplish the goals she set for herself.

Annette was preceded in death by her grandparents and her father, Russell, on Feb. 7, 1964.

Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Eleanor F. SHIELDS, three brothers and sisters-in-law and their families - Ronald and Sandra SHIELDS and children, Tisha, Tricia, Russell and Teena of Ellston; Raymond and Donna SHIELDS and children, Michael and Staci of Diagonal; Rodney and Carolyn SHIELDS and children, Jason and Aaron of Des Moines; an aunt, Mrs. Naomi WILSON of Des Moines; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She is also survived by a special friend, Loren PRETZ of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who is a victim of muscular dystrophy, whom Annette met at Camp Sunnyside. Loren has corresponded with Annette and upheld her in prayer through the years and loved her dearly.

Death came peacefully to Annette while sleeping. She just slipped away quietly, unknown to anyone, about 3 o'clock Sunday morning, into her Saviour's care.

A visitation for the family was held Sept. 10 at Rhoades-Wilson Funeral Home. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, Sept. 11, at the Tingley United Methodist Church by Revs. Ward CAMPBELL and Les CALHOUN. The sermon topic was the 23rd Psalm, one of many favorite Bible passages of Annette's.

Mrs. Carol McCREARY and Mrs. Grace BRADLEY sang "Each Step I Take" and "What A Friend We Have in Jesus", accompanied at the organ by Mrs. Faith SHINKLE. Casketbearers were Leonard MASON, Steve EASON, David WEEDA, Danny WEEDA, John WHITTINGTON and Keith WELLING. Interment was in the Tingley Cemetery.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, July of 2011

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