Staci Lynn SHIELDS

SHIELDS, HAWK, HOSFIELD, SMITH, MYERS

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 7/31/2011 at 19:42:56

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

OBITUARY ~ STACI LYNN SHIELDS

Staci Lynn SHIELDS was born March 21, 1975 at the Ringgold County hospital in Mount Ayr, Iowa, to bring joy to the hearts and lives of her parents, Raymond and Donna SHIELDS and her beloved brother, Michael.

On May 16, 1979 Staci was diagnosed as having an inoperable tumor in the brain stem. After radiation treatments at the Mayo Clinic, the growth of the tumor was slowed so that Staci could enjoy being at home and a part of the family's activities for eight months. As the disease progressed, taking away mor of her strength, her faith increased. She tried to comfort her family, telling them "Don't worry, I'm going to be all right." Jesus said, "Let the little ones come unto me," and Staci departed this life on December 4, 1980, surrounded by her family's love at her home in rural Diagonal at the age of five years, eight months and 13 days.

Staci's sweet disposition and manners, her sparkling brown eyes and sunny smile endeared her to those of us who were fortunate to have the opportunity to love her and be touched by her courageous although brief life. Staci and Michael enjoyed each other and Michael was quick to assist or entertain his little sister in any way he could both before and during her illness.

Staci attended Sunday School and Church at Wishard Chapel with her family as long as her health permitted. The pastors and congregation held her very dear and grieved with her loved ones over her suffering. Many have said that as tiny as she was, God had a purpose for allowing her to live among us for a while. We will all be a little better for having known her. Staci will not be forgotten by those who loved her as her memory is carried on in our hearts.

When Jesus sent you to us
We loved you from the start.
You were just a bit of sunshine
From Heaven to our hearts.
Not just "another baby"
'Cause since the world began,
There's been something very special
For you in His plan.

He had a special purpose
That He wanted you to find,
So He made you something special
You're the only one of your kind.

Staci's memory will always be cherished by those she leaves behind, her parents; a brother, Michael; grandparents, Mrs. Vivian HAWK and husband, Duane, and Mrs. Eleanor SHIELDS; great-grandmother, Mrs. Lena HOSFIELD; aunts and uncles and their families, Rod and Carolyn SHIELDS, Jason and Arron; Ronnie and Sandy SHIELDS, Tisha, Tricia, Russell and Teena; and a very special babysitter whom Staci loved dearly, Mrs. Irma SMITH; and a host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Lloyd HOSFIELD, and an aunt, Annette SHIELDS.

To the Family
From Linda Myers

For each sad low, there is a high
Above the swamp still hangs the sky.
We may have tears, but smiles will follow,
There is a hill above the hollow.
For when we cry, and tears like rain
Come flooding down, they ease the pain.
And all is well, come joy and sorrow,
For we can say, "There is tomorrow."

Funeral services with the Rhoades-Wilson Funeral Home in charge were held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 6, 1980, from Wishard Chapel conducted by Rev.Leslie CALHOUN. Pianist was Mrs. Mildred SMITH and vocalists were Mr. and Mrs. Maurice JONES. Casketbearers were Jim McCREARY, Tom LARSON, Ellis MAUDLIN and Arlen HUGHES. Honorary casketbearers were Ike McGEHEE, Bob BENNETT, Rollin NOBLE and Phil BURMEISTER.

[Interment Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr, Iowa.]

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, July of 2011