Estelle “Sam” Harper

Saturday, April 26, 2025, our family lost Sam whom was a vital branch of our family tree.

January 15, 1955, Doc Frank delivered another one of hundreds of babies born in Jackson County Community Hospital, Maquoketa, IA. Estelle Marie Shirley, who later adopted the nickname “Sam” was born to Franklin H. and Wanda Marie Knight Shirley.

Sam was raised in Welton, IA, where she attended Welton Elementary and Central Community Schools, DeWitt, IA. She was a 1973 graduate. Sam was united in marriage to Monte Wayne Harper. They later divorced.

Sam furthered her education attending Clinton Community College and Scott Community College where she earned her Nurses Aide and Medication Aide Certificates. She spent several decades working in the health care field where she was employed at Maquoketa Care Center, Crestridge, Clover Ridge, DAC and Home Health Care.

Throughout Sam’s life she enjoyed many hobbies and interests. She liked working with her hands creating lovely cross-stitch and crochet items. She could never just drive by a yard sale, flea market or an antique shop. She was very enthused with collecting frogs and roosters. Springtime was a favorite time to shop for flowers and add them to her flower garden.

Sam is survived by her children George Michael Hessler (Donna), Texas, Jeremy Wayne Schroeder, Newton, IA; Nikki Marie Maude Schroeder Dannatt and husband Gene of Maquoketa; two grandchildren; her siblings Janelle Lyn Shirley, Abilene, KS and Leslie Hoyt “Hopper” Mattix. She was preceded in death by her parents Franklin H. Shirley and Wanda Marie Mattix; maternal grandparents Arthur Eugene Shirley and Stella Merrick Shirley; and siblings Bruce Allen Shirley, Franklin Wayne Shirley and William Erin Mattix.

In lieu of flowers, of flowers, a fund has been established in Sam’s name. Carson Celebration of Life Center is caring for the family. Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be no services at this time and burial will be at a later date.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.CarsonAndSon.com.