Constance “Connie” was born in Oskaloosa, IA to Bill and Nona Shaw on May 11, 1948.
Throughout Connie’s life she lived in Des Moines, Iowa and Surfside Beach, Texas.
Connie had a hard time navigating her way through this thing we call LIFE, because of circumstances beyond her control. She was born deprived of oxygen and weighed 3 lbs. 2 oz., which affected her ability to learn in school and make good choices. She went home from the hospital in a shoe box. Connie was a strong person though and always prevailed-that’s where her determination and bullheadedness came into play-“Don’t mess with the bull in her!!” She was always quiet and reserved until the Taurus (Bull) came out in her. She was persistent, bullheaded, set in her ways, but she was a devoted and loyal friend. She had many friends over the years. Their words for her were loyal, sweet, kind, and loving. She dearly loved all her kids, grandkids, great grandkids, extended family and friends.
Connie’s favorite holiday was Christmas. She had so much fun buying gifts for others and got depressed when she couldn’t buy more. She loved to spend her money on others. Decorating her house, cooking, and baking for Christmas was a happy time of year for her.
Connie worked as a cashier, housekeeper, daycare provider, and other odd jobs throughout her life.
She loved to travel with her mom, and sisters, Darla, and Linda. They traveled to South Dakota and visited Connie’s mother’s birthplace of Fedora, SD, a one store town. They drove by mom’s house in the country, saw some wild roses in the ditch. We wanted to dig them up but didn’t have a shovel. We went to the one store in town and asked if we could borrow a shovel. The store owner was more than happy to oblige. We dug and dug with no luck, the ground was hard and dry. We all had fun trying. We then drove to the Black Hills where Linda made reservations for a cabin on a lake. When we arrived, we were disappointed the Larve Lake turned out to be a Larve pond, a small pond at that. We made the best of it and had a great time. While there Connie enjoyed shopping for turquoise jewelry. We also visited Door County in Wisconsin shopping at all the little shops on Lake Michigan and Green Bay. We continued on visiting the House on the Rocks where she loved the Christmas collections they had.
Connie was a huge fan of Elvis Presley. Her sister’s Linda and Darla took her to Memphis to see Graceland. She was so happy to be there, of all her trips, that was her favorite.
Preceded in death by her mother and father Bill and Nona Shaw, nephew Jim Schroeder. Survived by sons Bill Butters, Michael Butters, Jason Jay (Samantha), daughter Lorie Butters, grandkids and great-grandkids. Brother’s Ron Shaw (Monica), Doug Shaw (Brenda), sister’s Darla Shaw and Linda Shaw.
There will be a visitation on Friday, April 7th from 6:00-8:00pm at Sunset Memorial Chapel. On Saturday, April 8th, a funeral service will be held at 10:00am with burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens following. The family invites all to join back in the chapel for a luncheon reception to further commemorate Connie’s life. The funeral service will also be livestreamed for those who cannot attend: https://player.vimeo.com/video/814328874?h=0dd010281d&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479
Family request Memorial contributions go to MercyOne Hospice* in Johnston in loving memory of Connie.
*By mail:
Mercy One Hospice, 5820 Winwood DR. Johnston, IA. 50131