Shirley Kimpson

Shirley Kimpson, 74, of Creston died Thursday, December 24, 2020 at her home. Memorial services, for immediate family only, will be 11 AM, Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center, 809 W. Montgomery Street in Creston. The public is invited to attend the service via Livestream. A small family burial will be held at a later date in the Walnut Grove Cemetery, Corning, IA. Memorials may be directed to the family. The Livestream can be viewed and condolences shared at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com

Shirley Arlene Kimpson was born October 29, 1946, in Corning, Iowa to Floyd Donaldson VanPelt and Grace Charlotte (Cupp) VanPelt. She graduated from Corning High School in 1964.

On September 4, 1964, Shirley was united in marriage to Jim Kimpson, and to this union two children were born.

Shirley was always a very hard worker. She had a huge garden every year and loved being outside taking care of the yard. Shirley opened her own upholstery shop in Corning where she reupholstered vehicle seats as well as many kinds of furniture. She eventually moved the shop to their home in the country. Jim and Shirley would later divorce. Shirley was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in July of 1991.

Shirley eventually moved to Creston where she worked at Crestridge Estates as one of their first employees upon opening. She always had a special place in her heart for elderly ones and loved helping them. The residents grew quite fond of her and treated her like their own. She joked saying she had many “moms and dads” at Crestridge. One of the “traditions” she got started while she worked there was making homemade ice cream every summer for the residents and it soon became a favorite that they looked forward to every year. Even after retiring from fulltime work she continued to go in and help a few of the residents that needed some extra help.

Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life and she treasured every moment she spent with them.

Survivors include her children: Lori (Kirk) Goldsmith of Creston, Todd (significant other Debbie) Kimpson of Corning; 5 grandchildren: Justin (fiance’ Andrea) Goldsmith of Adel, Kandice (Tyler) Schouten of Bedford, Kayla (fiance’ Aaron) Kimpson of West Des Moines, Kaleb (Bailey) Goldsmith of Creston and Kynlee Kimpson of Gravity; 3 great grandchildren: Graelyn Goldsmith, Ryott and Rebel Schouten; 1 great granddaughter due in February; nephews Jeff (Denise) Kimpson, Greg (Rebekah) Kimpson all of Idaho; many cousins, nieces and nephews and close friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Floyd & Grace, her sister Regina and infant brother Donald.