Shirley L. Lucas, 92, passed away on Aug. 19, 2023, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf. A funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3, at Eldridge United Methodist Church. Shirley will be laid to rest at Davenport Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Jane’s Place at C.A.S.I or American Diabetes Association. Online, condolences and fond memories may be expressed at www.weertsfh.com.
Shirley was born on July 27, 1931, to Geraldine (Calhoun) and Arlo Rand in Keokuk. After graduating from high school, Shirley went on to manage a fabric store in Kewanee, Ill. Later in her career, she worked as a bookkeeper for Martin Engineering and Russel Electric before retiring in 1989. Shirley joined Wayne Balsar in married union on Jan. 25, 1953, and together raised four children. Shirley later found love again and married Arthur Lucas on June 21, 1987. He preceded her in death on Dec. 21, 2003.
Shirley found much joy in spending time with her kids and grandkids. She was talented in sewing and stitched her love into each quilt she made for the grandkids’ graduation gifts. Her baking and cooking was unforgettable; some particular favorites include her homemade yeast donuts, fried chicken, and ham salad on white bread.
Shirley’s loving presence will be missed by those who knew her. Survivors include her children, Cathy Jo “CJ” Albertson, Conda (Dave) McFee, Clint (Ticia) Balsar; daughter-in-law, Carol Balsar; grandchildren, John (Lora) Albertson, Bob Burns, Brandon Balsar, Cayla (Louie) Oswald, Drew (Rachel) Richardson, Shane (Shelly) Dolieslager, Kylie McFee, Jordan Jones, Charlie Balsar; eight great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Art Lucas; son, Craig Balsar; brothers, Richard Rand, Robert Rand, and her son-in-law, Dennis Albertson.
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