Shirley E. Newhouse, 84, of Poplar Grove, Ill. died April 17, 2008 in her home following a sudden illness. Born April 25, 1923 in Belvidere, Illinois, the daughter of Edwin and Ada (Anderson) Olson. Shirley married Floyd Newhouse in Capron, Illinois on June 5, 1943. She was employed as a cook for North Boone High School, then worked for the Belvidere, J.C. Penney Store before working as a service representative for 20 years at GTE. During WWII, she worked for Rockford Screw Co. Shirley was also the first female school bus driver for North Boone High School and was a 60+ year blood donor. She was a long time member of Capron Lutheran Church where she was involved in many church activities such as a Sunday School Teacher; Grace Circle and Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church; a member of American Legion Auxiliary Capron #205; member of the Pioneer Club at GTE; She was a former 4H Leader and served on the Long Prairie Cemetery Board. Shirley is a graduate of Capron High School and attended St. Olaf College. She is survived by her husband, Floyd; two daughters, Gwen (Bruce) Jones, Poplar Grove; Janet (Jack) Engelsen, Galva, Ill.; a grandson, Kristian Engelsen, Peoria, Ill.; preceded in death by her parents and step-father, Charles Newhouse; a grandson, Arik Engelsen and brother, Eldon Olson.

Memorials may be made to the Capron Lutheran Church in her name.