Shirley Ann Staver, 78, of Cherokee made her journey home to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, Jan. 27, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family, lifting her up in voice and prayer.
Memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, May 26, at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Cherokee. Father Dan Rupp will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Cherokee at a later date. Boothby Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.boothbyfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials are made to them for a future project in Shirley's honor. Cards may be sent to Dori Claycamp, 1960 Highway 3, Cherokee, IA 51012.
Shirley was born on Jan. 13, 1948, to George and Martha (Proost) Haselhoff at Storm Lake. She graduated with the class of 1966 from Schaller High School. She attended Commercial Extension Business School in Omaha, Neb.
She was united in marriage on Jan. 27, 1968, to Paul Staver at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Schaller. Together, she and Paul raised a family grounded in faith for 37 years until he passed away. With strength and devotion, she continued their shared legacy for another 21 years. Now reunited, they dance together once more on the date when their love story began.
She was employed as an administrative assistant at Iowa Public Service. She worked for many years as the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce director, where she was known for her dedication to the members and strong work ethic. "Cherokee, Check it Out!" She devoted time to caring for others through her work as a district manager for Willowbrook Apartments. She finished out her working days as a part-time teller at State Savings Bank. Her work allowed her to do what she loved most — working with people and helping others.
Shirley was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Cherokee. She was a member of Catholic Daughters, volunteered in the I.C. Church Food Pantry, and served on the Cherokee Fair Board.
She loved to clean and organize, finding peace in creating order and beauty in every space she touched from her cupboards to the gardens. She was always up for a game of 500 or Pinochle with friends or teaching her grands the love of the game. She will go down as the "Nello Queen!”
Her faith was a driving force in her everyday life, quietly shaping her kindness, her work and the way she made people around her more gentle and orderly. She found great joy in spending time with her many friends, sharing conversation, laughter and a simple cup of coffee or a meal. She treasured every moment with Ren, her great-grandson, the one who made her eyes shine. She especially enjoyed the time he spent playing at her house. She looked forward to spending time with her great-grandsons, Easten and Colter, as they got older.
She was preceded in death by her husband Paul Staver in 2005; her parents, George and Martha Marie Haselhoff; brothers, Armon and Glen Haselhoff; and special friend Roger Mogensen.
Shirley will be greatly missed by her three children: Veronica “Roni” (Tony) Huerta of Omaha, Neb.; Dori (Fred) Claycamp of Cherokee; Chad (Sara) Staver of Quimby; and “Cinderella” Jeanna Bittner of Cherokee; seven grandchildren: Leah (Dan) Mulligan and Vincent Huerta, Caleb Claycamp (Sophia), Trey (Katlyne) Claycamp, and Dena Claycamp, and Skyler Staver (Asia) and Edwin Staver; three great-grandchildren: Ren Staver, Easten and Colter Claycamp; siblings: Loleta (Dean) Staver of Wichita, Kan.; and Phylis (Jim) Lonergan of Lincoln, Neb.; special friend Grandma Joan Anderson; also many nieces, nephews and friends.
