Shirley Ann Ambrose, 85, of Prairie du Chien, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on April 23, 2025, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI.
She was born on October 29, 1939, in Waukon, Iowa, to parents Albert and Mildred Buege.
Shirley graduated as Valedictorian from Waterville High School in Waterville, Iowa, and went on to study at Luther College in Decorah, IA. She had dreamed of becoming a math teacher, though she ultimately worked for 3M Company and later at Crawford County Human Services, where she retired.
At the age of 16, Shirley met her husband Richard at a dance at Rainbow Gardens. They married on May 6, 1959, and were looking forward to celebrating 66 years of marriage.
Named after Shirley Temple Black, Shirley enjoyed traveling, visiting 44 of the 48 contiguous states — always wishing to see Alaska but limited by health concerns. She loved playing cards, fishing, golfing, going on bus trips, and was actively involved at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church.
Her favorites included classic country music, the Grand Ole Opry, Springer Spaniels, singer Charley Pride, and the song “Long Black Train.” In her later years, she enjoyed cooking, watching game shows and music programs (especially Polka) on TV, doing word searches, and playing tablet games like Solitaire.
Above all, Shirley cherished her family. She loved celebrating birthdays and Christmas, especially with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, proudly earning the nickname “Granny the Great.” She once described herself as “compassionate — if I can help, I will.”
Shirley is survived by her beloved husband Richard; two children, Rich Ambrose and Debra (Todd) Streett; four grandchildren, Nichole (Torin Rawson) Nuehring, JR (Pixly Robbins) Nuehring, Amiee (Chester) Naleway, and Troy (Cassie) Ambrose; two step-grandchildren, Kate Streett and Marcy (Codie) Dugan; and four great-grandchildren, Alec, Aleyna, Laramie, and Laikan.
She is further survived by sisters-in-law Dorothy Baures and Jane Ambrose-Fernette (Ken Fernette).
Shirley was preceded in death by her sister Janice and brother-in-law Clarence Mezera; her parents, Albert and Mildred Buege; her parents-in-law, Peter and Catherine Ambrose; and her brother-in-law James Ambrose.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at St. Gabriel’s Church of the Holy Family Parish in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin with Rev. Brandon Guenther as the Celebrant.
Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin is assisting the family with services.