Shirley Earlene Neal was born on August 6, 1936, the daughter of Earl and Maxine (Craven) Gleason in Guide Rock, Nebraska. She passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at her home in Orient, Iowa, at the age of 89.
When Shirley was six months old, the family moved to rural Casey, Iowa. Later they moved to the rural Dexter area where she attended country schools. She graduated from Dexter High School in 1954.
On August 29, 1954, she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Craig Neal. They lived in the Dexter area for many years and raised their children there. Shirley worked at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines for several years and also worked in the Dexter Post Office.
In 1969, Craig and Shirley bought a farm in rural Orient, Iowa. Shirley worked at the Creston Hospital and then began her career in the Orient Post Office. She became Postmaster in 1977 and continued in this position until her retirement in 1998.
Shirley and Craig enjoyed camping and attending their grandchildren’s school activities. Shirley was an avid crocheter and baker. She was known for the “Best Scotcheroos” in Southwest Iowa. She also was a stamp collector and collected numerous mailboxes which decorated her house. Shirley ‘s most beloved time was spending the holidays time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Criag Neal in 2006; son, Randy Neal; infant daughter, Diane; infant granddaughter, Jennifer; sister, Bobbie Trent; and her mother and father-in-law, Maurice and Zedonna Neal.
She is survived by her daughter, LuAnn Page and husband Pat of Nevada, Iowa; two sons, Phil Neal of wife Jolene and Doug Neal and wife Kerri all of Orient; daughter-in-law, Rhonda Neal of West Des Moines; eight grandchildren, Jessica Boswell (Justin), Ashley Ross, Ryan Neal all of Orient, Melissa Kuhlmann (Lance) of Byron, Minnesota, Matt Page (Kelsey) of Elkhart, Chet Neal (Kaile) of Orient, Courtney Adair (Logan) of Afton, and Stephanie Ambrose (Joe) of Clive; thirteen great grandchildren; sisters, Karen Derylo of Naperville, Illinois and Rita Mikkelsen and husband Reg of Creston; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services: Will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield with burial following in the Orient Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the Orient Plymouth Congregational Church following the burial. Mr. Phil Price will officiate the service. The Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.
Open Visitation: Will be held at the Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Family Visitation: The family will greet friends on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield.
Memorials: Memorials may be directed to the family to be established at a later date.
