Shirley Britain, 76, of Blue Grass, passed away, Friday, July 31, 2026 at her home.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 – 6:00 pm, Friday, August 7, 2026 at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home.

Shirley Jeanette Britain was born June 20th, 1950 in Rock Island, IL. The daughter of Edward and Myrtle (Perdue) Kraklio. She had fond memories of her childhood in Colorado. But was a proud lifetime resident of Blue Grass.

Her greatest joy in life was her two children. Until the arrival of her Grandson Dalton. She was the type of mom who didn’t cut her kids any slack, but made sure they knew they were loved beyond belief. She would add notes to our lunches to remind us how great we were and how much we were loved. But she also had the house booby trapped so she’d know if we came home late. She always took her kids and Dalton on vacations to Florida and Missouri to visit family and go on adventures. Rumor has it you could watch her kids hair grow in all the pictures she took of them.

She was known for her beautiful wedding cakes and her artistry of being able to draw anything out of frosting on a birthday cake. But best part was always the cake tops that she cut off and put in a ziplock bag. She was an avid couponer when it was cool the first time. There was a “grocery” store in her basement from coupon deals and canned goods from her garden that feed many families besides her own. She threw a great barbecue together on a moments notice for family get togethers. She made the best chicken and noodles and meatballs. Christmas was her Super Bowl every year! Everything came off the walls and Christmas decor replaced it everywhere. Even the ceilings of each room had falling snow flakes. Each room had its own theme, including the bathroom. One year her yard decor made the evening news.

In 1997 she married Dan Britain. They enjoyed trips to Missouri, NASCAR races, anything Iowa Hawkeyes and camping together.

She was greeted by her parents, step father Arnold Brockmann, sister Danae Perdue and brother Edward Kraklio. Along with her children’s father’s Les Shelley and Larry French.

She will be greatly missed by her husband Dan, sons and daughters in law Neil and Laura Shelley, Daniel and Jennifer Britain, daughter and son in Rebecca and Jason Zirkel. Of course her beloved grandchildren, Dalton Shelley, Kai, Chloie and Keaton Britain and great grandson Owen Britain. Her sister Terry (Mick) Kowalczyk and brothers Paul and Russell Kraklio. Her step mother Janet Kraklio and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Shirley always wanted to make sure people were fed, at her own table but also in their own homes. She volunteered at the food pantry at the Roosevelt Community Center. Nothing would make her happier than donations to be made to your local food pantry in her honor.