Shirley E. Little, age 88, of Faribault, died at her home on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, following an extended illness.
Funeral services were held at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Wheeling Township on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. The Reverend Gary Liker officiated. Interment was at Meadow Ridge Memorial Park, Faribault.
Visitation was held at Boldt Funeral Home, Faribault on Friday, April 12, 2024, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and for one hour prior to the service at the church.
Shirley E., daughter of Lawrence Wayne and Zelda Myrtle (Osborn) Saxton was born on July 11, 1935, in Swea City, IA. She attended Kasson High School where she graduated salutatorian in 1953. She married Donald Eugene Little on September 26, 1954, in Sherburn, MN. She was a farm wife and dedicated partner in Donshir Farm for many years. Prior to life on the farm, Shirley was employed by Josten’s in Owatonna. Following the dispersal of Donshir Farm Holsteins in 1987, she worked at Gustafson Catering, Farmer’s Seed and Nursery, and Norwest Bank Operations; she retired from the State Bank of Faribault in 2006. She belonged to St. John’s UCC, where she served on the church council, sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, served as a youth leader, and was an active member of the Women’s Guild. She volunteered with 4-H, Holstein clubs, the State Bank, and Faribault Area Hospice. Wife of 43 years; mom, grandma, great grandma, taxi driver, referee, and friend.
She is survived by her children, Dr. Daniel (Patricia) Little of St. Peter, Cindy (Jim) Raimann of Minnesota Lake, Brian Little (Jeanne Wahlstrom) of Blaine, Annette (Steven) Kuball of Warsaw, Zachery (Amanda) Little of Rosemount, Yvonne (Thomas) Eggert of Woodbury, and Carrie (Matthew) Hess of Burnsville; 25 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; brother, Richard (Crystal) Saxton of Fairmont; sister-in-law, Arlene Saxton of Fairmont; foster brother, Ralph (Geri) Saxton of Las Vegas, NV; special cousin, Donna Wilson; brothers-in-law, Neil Wobschall, Douglas Little; sisters-in-law, Doris Bickel, Carol Little; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1998; parents; brother, LeRoy Saxton, and sister, Sylvia Saxton, both in infancy; brother, Ellis Saxton; foster brothers, Willis Saxton, Merrill Neubert; nephew, Bruce Saxton; parents-in-law, George and Alice Little; brothers-in-law, Lloyde (Ruth) Little, Robert (Nona) Little, Harold Little, Stanley Little, Wayne (Elvy) Little, Jerry Bickel; sisters-in-law, Hazelle (Bill) Williams, Betty (Duke) DuChene, Florence Wobschall, Anna Mae Little.
Memorials preferred to the Faribault Area Hospice Foundation, or St. John’s UCC.
