Shirley Jean Javens

Shirley Javens, age 92, of Cottonwood, Minnesota, died peacefully on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the Granite Falls Care Center. Funeral Services are 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 22, 2025, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota. Following a light reception, interment will be at the Cottonwood City Cemetery in Cottonwood, Minnesota. Visitation will be held leading up to her celebration of life, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 22, 2025, also at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Ashford Presbyterian Church in Milroy, Minnesota.

Shirley Jean Hoff was born at home on December 18, 1932, the youngest of six children born to Jesse and Agnes (Hofteig) Hoff. She was baptized as an infant and confirmed in her youth at St. Lucas Church near Cottonwood, Minnesota. Shirley graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1950 and went on to further her education at the Mankato Commercial College in Mankato, Minnesota. She worked for the Standard Oil Company in Huron, South Dakota, and briefly as a legal secretary at the Morton and Foreman Law Office in Redwood Falls, Minnesota.

On November 8, 1952, Shirley was married to David Javens at St. Lucas Church, and the couple made their home on the Javens family farm in Stanley Township, rural Cottonwood where they raised their four children. In addition to being a loving homemaker and mother, Shirley found work as the bookkeeper at Milroy Public School where she served nearly 20 years.

Rarely known to miss church, David and Shirley were members of the Cottonwood Presbyterian Church until the church closed and then became members of Ashford Presbyterian Church in Milroy. Shirley’s enjoyments in life included baking (she was known as the bun lady); quilting; cross-stitch; playing piano and organ; playing games, cards, and dominoes; visiting with friends and family, and, of course, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shirley Javens died on December 15, 2025, in Granite Falls, Minnesota, just three days shy of her 93rd birthday. Blessed be her memory.

Shirley is survived by her 4 children, Marty (Rita) Javens of Cottonwood, Cris (Alan) Gilb of Marshall, Lori (Gregg) Soupir of New London, Larry (Kim) Javens of Green Bay, WI; 14 grandchildren, Jeramiah (Susan), Damian (Mally), Samantha, Scooter (Shelby), Sasha, Amy (Danny), Andy (Kelly), Trevor (Kirby), Tricia (Derek), Tara (Aury), Tanner, Tony (Jane), Lisa (Todd), Jake (Kelly); 26 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, Mary Jo (Ed) Horsmann of Grand Rapids, Emma Jean Hendrix of Kirkland, WA; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 67 years, David Javens; 3 grandchildren, Stephanie, Jesse, and Hunter Javens; great-grandchild, Zachary Budleski; 4 brothers; and a sister.