Obituaries

Shirley Ware Grimes

Photo of Shirley Ware Grimes
Shirley Ware Grimes, 83, of Bentonville, passed away Sunday, October 18, 2020, at the Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville. Shirley was born May 13, 1937, in Buffalo, Mo., and moved to Bentonville, as a young girl. She attended the Old High School all 12 years graduating from BHS in 1955. Shirley went to college in Tulsa for a time but returned to Bentonville and worked at the Bank of Bentonville for ten years. She married Joe Grimes October 13, 1961, and had five children in Bentonville. Shirley was the owner of the Mother Goose Nursery Preschool and Daycare, in the 1970's while also taking classes at NWACC. After her husband Joe passed away in 1974, she went to work for the Bentonville Public Schools, where she retired in 1997. Shirley was always civic-minded and served on the Bentonville City Council, for 14 years and many years on the Bentonville Library Board. As her children were involved in different activities, she served on the Bentonville Little League, was Home Room Mom for many, many years, helped with Girl Scouts, and any other functions while raising five children on her own. She obtained her Real Estate license and owned several rental properties in town. Shirley was a devoted member of the Christian Science Church in Rogers, where she also served on many committees. Shirley loved children and education and as many have said, she raised two generations of Bentonville's children as well as being a wonderful "Memaw" to her grandchildren. Shirley loved cooking for her family, keeping the little ones, sewing, swimming and all things in nature. Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Joe Grimes, as well as her parents Norbert Ware and Arthula "Johnnie" Ware. She is survived by her five children and eight grandchildren: Jeanne Grimes of Bella Vista (children - Chelsea Cotter and Cory Cotter); Ted Grimes of Sulphur Springs (wife - Shannon, sons - Hunter, Colton and Jack; Tony Grimes of Bentonville (wife - Laura, sons - Ryan and Jacob); Toby Grimes of Bella Vista; and Terry Sheets of Bentonville (daughter - Lauren Sheets); her sister Jean Franklin of Rogers (husband Bob); and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, family and friends too numerous to list, but not forgotten. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held graveside at the Bentonville Cemetery, at a later date for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your local youth programs, the library, and give your time to support your community. Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www. funeralmation.com

Published October 31, 2020

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