White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – Shirley L. Leinbaugh, 90 years old, of Independence, IA, died at her home, Saturday, December 9, 2023, following a short battle with cancer.

Private family funeral services are planned at White Funeral Home, Independence, IA, with burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Independence.

Shirley Lou Hunwardsen was born April 8, 1933, in Cushing, IA, the daughter of August Claus Hunwardsen and Alma Viola (Beers) Hunwardsen. She graduated from Cushing High School in 1951 and then attended Ellis Beauty School in Sioux City, IA. She worked as a beautician in Sioux City and then on June 21, 1953, she was united in marriage to Lyle Leslie Leinbaugh in Cushing. The couple lived in the Audubon, IA, area while Lyle worked in the Audubon school system and in 1958, the couple moved to Independence, IA, where Lyle was a physical education teacher and football coach. They raised their family in Independence, and in her younger years, Shirley worked as a stylist at Jeanna’s and Davidson’s clothing stores and loved to help style and organize the fashion shows in town. She was always active in Independence, whether it was at church, at the school, or simply in the community. Shirley and Lyle did everything together. When he died in 2005, she found her strength in her faith, friends, and her family. She stayed active and walked every day. She loved to ice skate and play tennis. She loved to bake. Her specialties were pecan pie, coffee cake, and cookies. Later in life she enjoyed bringing cookies to the care centers and visit with friends. Throughout her life, Shirley exemplified style and grace and found joy in the successes of others. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence.

Shirley is survived by one son, David Leinbaugh of Evansdale, IA; three daughters, Cindy Leinbaugh of Cedar Rapids, IA, Joni (Steven) Ehlert of Cedar Rapids, IA, Leslie (Jim) Richmond of Perry, IA; seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lyle; her sisters and brothers, Helen Petersen, Margie Wegorst, Paul Hunwardson, Wilbert Hunwardson, Junny “JR” Hunwardson, Bonnie Struckbien, George Hunwardson, and Gloria Schroeder.

Memorials may be directed to the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence or Cedar Valley Hospice.

Condolences may be placed at White-MtHope.com
White Funeral Home, Independence, IA, is in charge of arrangements.