Shirley Mallas

Shirley Ann (Schultz) Mallas, 77, of Corning died Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015, at CHI Mercy Hospital in Corning.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the First Presbyterian Church in Corning with High Priest Ray Powell officiating. Interment will be at the Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone at a later date. Family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Pearson Family Funeral Service, 701 Seventh St., in Corning. Memorials may be directed to Southwest Valley Community Schools. Online condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

Shirley Ann Mallas was welcomed into this world on May 10, 1938, by her parents Elton August Danial Schultz and Esther Elnora Hanle in Ogden. She was the eldest of three children, following her was her sister Virginia and her brother Donald. They all lived on their family farm and she attended school in Ogden at the one-room schoolhouse in Marcy Township until eighth grade, then transferred to the community school district. During her childhood she spent most of her time on the farm, helping her family and playing dolls with her sister.

During her junior year of high school, she met the love of her life and future husband Ken Mallas. During her college years at teaching school, they were united in marriage on May 25, 1957. The following day her husband had to return to military duty in Germany. She joined him shortly after and they went to the “City of Love”- Paris, France to celebrate their unity. Ken and Shirley then returned to Iowa in the early fall. Many stops from Boone to where they finally settled in Corning, the two were set together for life. To this union two children were born, Angela and Jeffery.

While raising her two children and supporting her husband’s career within the local school district, many people remember Shirley as helping raise a part of their family as well. Whether she was assisting with a four legged being, or playing with children as their parents were at work or study, she always cared for them as if they were her own. No one was ever to worry if Shirley Mallas was entrusted with their loved ones, as she cared for all with the utmost regard.

Throughout her adulthood, Shirley always enjoyed art. From photography to drawing, she was very artistic and enjoyed all aspects. She loved history, especially the history of architecture. She watched as the world grew around her. She was a master gardener and enjoyed gardening throughout all the seasons of life. She enjoyed the outdoors and cherished all seasons. She was involved in numerous community groups including Bible studies and T.O.P.S. She was an active member of the Community of Christ in Creston.

Even throughout her battle with cancer, Shirley remained optimistic and never complained. She continued to be grateful and share her blessings. At her weakest, she continued to be strength for others.

Most of all, Shirley was genuinely passionate about her unconditional love for others. She shared joy through writing and passed along kind words to everyone she met. She was gentle with her wise advice. She prayed for those she knew and those she didn’t. She was graceful and knew and shared true grace. She welcomed others into her heart and shared her motherly spirit. Her love was everlasting and will carry on from Heaven above.

Shirley was welcomed into eternal life by her parents; sisters-in-law, Annie, Patty and Ruby; brothers-in-law, Jay, Peter, Robert, John and Paul.

Left to honor her life is her husband Ken Mallas of Corning; son Jeffery (Darla) Mallas of Ogden; daughter Angela (Les) Mallas-Cattau of Schuyler, Nebraska; granddaughter Jessica Jackson of Corning; step-grandchildren, Tommy, Tad, Nick, Jamie and Angela; sister Virginia Johnson of Las Vegas, Nevada; brother Donald Schultz of Ogden; sister-in-law Helen Aurand of Waterloo; brother-in-law Dale Larson of Boone and many other relatives and friends.