Obituary for Shirley Dabler

Shirley A. Dabler, 84, of Anamosa, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday, October 30, 2026.

Shirley was born on May 5, 1942; to Orville and Hazel (Mathes) Shinn. She married the love of her life, Roger Dabler, on July 25, 1987, and together they shared many happy years filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Shirley enjoyed spending her free time searching for treasures at garage sales and cooking for her family and friends. She and Roger especially loved fishing in Northern Minnesota, where Shirley often delighted in out-fishing him. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Hazel Shinn; her children, Kelly Spray, DeVerne Spray, Tommy Dabler, and Patricia Hobson; grandson Jarad Spray and granddaughter Samantha Hobson; her sister, Nellie Steele; and her brother, Junior Shinn. She was also preceded in death by her husband Roger's parents, Stacey and Nellie Dabler.

Those left to cherish Shirley’s memory include her husband of 39 years, Roger Dabler; her sons, Eric (Tracy) Spray and Roger “Roddy” Dabler and daughter in law Ruth Spray; 17 grandchildren and an abundance of great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Zelma (Larry) Rodgers and Barb Orton. Her love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family will be fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s name to St. Jude’s Hospital.