Shirley Joyce McDougal

Shirley Joyce (Whiton) McDougal, 91, passed away June 24, 2026 in Parker, CO and is now resting in the presence of the Lord. Her life was characterized by her love for Jesus and her family. She led by example, demonstrating how to follow Christ, love people, and lived honestly and responsibly.

Shirley was born in Leon, Iowa on June 19, 1935 to Dean and Gladys McDowell. She grew up on a farm near Lineville, Iowa and graduated from Garden Grove High School in 1954. As a teen, Shirley traveled to Des Moines to serve ice cream at Reeds Ice Cream shop and in 1956, moved to Des Moines to work as a secretary to the Vice President of Employers Mutual Insurance Company. She married Thurlow Whiton in 1956. They enjoyed building a life together for 22 years until his death in 1978.

Shirley was a strong, independent woman who owned and managed many real estate properties, was actively involved at First Federated Church, particularly “Women’s Circle”, and always had time for people.

In 1989, Shirley married Dale McDougal and the couple enjoyed traveling until their move to Parker, Colorado to live closer to her daughters and grandchildren. Shirley and Dale attended Parker Bible Church where Shirley served in women’s ministry and was always a great example of service to others. Shirley was an encourager, a woman of faith, a friend to many and a cheerleader to all she loved. She was diligent in remembering birthdays with a beautiful card and a handwritten note of encouragement. She treasured family time and holidays when everyone was home and was known for her beef and noodles and cinnamon rolls. The pool tournament was a family tradition and she always made “being home” fun!

Shirley delighted in being a wife, a loving mother and sister, and a doting Grammy. She will be greatly missed by her husband, Dale McDougal; three daughters, Jeanne Gerhardt (Rex) of Denver, CO, Connie Newville (Rich) of Dallas, TX, and Deb Butte (Brent) of Denver, CO; four grandchildren, Matt Newville, Katie Newville, Carter Butte, and Davis Butte; two great grandchildren; her siblings, Sharon Hutchison and Larry McDowell; three step-children, Mark McDougal, Kent McDougal, and Beth Heggen; twelve step-grandchildren, Ben McDougal, Sarah Pohlman, Nic Roth, Stacy Curtis, Natalie Miles, Kelsey Guckenberger, Tanner McDougal, and Mason McDougal; and twelve step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children, Thurlow Whiton; her parents; and step-son, Chris McDougal.

Services will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at The Mission Church, 12001 Ridgemont Drive in Urbandale, Iowa. Family will greet family and friends following the service. Private burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Denver Rescue Mission and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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