Shirley Ewert

September 18, 1938 - June 28, 2025

Obituary

Madison –

Shirley Jean Ewert, age 86, passed away unexpectedly after a fall on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Janesville.  She was born on September 18, 1938, in Madison, the oldest of the three daughters of Frank and Clara (Ruder) Dvorak.  Shirley was a 1956 graduate of Madison East High School. She also completed the nursing program and worked as an LPN for St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison for over 40 years.  She was united in marriage to Gerald W. “Jerry” Ewert, Sr. on February 14, 1959, in Madison.  They were blessed with one daughter and three sons, who they raised on Madison’s Northside.

Shirley was a longtime member of Lakeview Lutheran Church, Madison, where she stayed active in various groups including the Dorcas Circle.  Shirley and Jerry loved to travel, including cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean as well as trips to Hawaii.  She was an avid Wisconsin Sports fan, especially the Badgers and they even attended the Rose Bowl in 1994. Shirley loved spending time with her grandchildren and attending family get-togethers.  She was passionate about nursing and was the “neighborhood” and family nurse, helping anyone in need.  In her later years, she joined the Red Hatters and enjoyed travelling abroad with the group to Ireland, Spain and Portugal.  She also enjoyed a trip to New Orleans with her son, Jerry, and fellow parishioners from Lakeview Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her sons, Jerry (Dee), Kevin (Lynn) and Steve Ewert; grandchildren, Brandy (Al) Hawthorne, Courtney (Deke) Bradley, Jacob Ewert, and Samantha Jean (Sean McMillan) Ewert; great-grandchildren, Jessica Hawthorne and Boone Bradley; and sister, Karen Shawkey.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry; sister, Betty (Albertson) Beyer; infant daughter, Shelly Lyn Ewert; and brothers-in-law, Robert Albertson, Bud Beyer and Curt Shawkey.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer's Association | Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the wonderful staff at St. Mary’s Hospital, 4th Floor, Janesville for the exceptional care they gave Shirley.  As well as the caring staff with SSM Hospice.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit:  www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

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LP
Leta Phernetton
Friend •
Shirley was always a bright spot at red hat events. She was welcoming and a beautiful person.
LJ
Lyn Jerde
Friend •
Shirley may have saved my life. During the Wednesday morning Bible study at Lakeview, in August 2022, Shirley’s training and instincts as a nurse kicked in when she noticed I was periodically laying my head on the table. She kept an eye on me and urged me not to ignore the room-spinning dizziness I was experiencing. Sure enough, the leads on my recently installed pacemaker had malfunctioned, and my heart was stopping intermittently in 4- to 6-second intervals. If it hadn’t been for Shirley, I might not be here to tell this story.
SC
Susie Crews
Friend •
I worked with Shirley for several years at St Mary's. She was a dedicated Nurse and i enjoyed working with her. My condolences for your loss of such a great lady. RIP My Frienda
SC
Susie Crews
Friend •
My condolences for your loss. Shirley was someone you wouldn't forget. I worked with her for several years at St Mary's and she was a very good Nurse and a joy to work with. RIP Shirley.
JM
Jean Mani
Friend •
I'm so sorry for your loss. Shirley was such a sweetheart. I also attended Lakeview and attended many of the same groups.
SB
Scott Bauer
Friend •
So very Sorry for your loss guys! You had a great mother! One day you will see her again!

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