Shirley Dowdy
Bastrop, TX | Save
Shirley A. (Montague) Dowdy, 90, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at her home. The younger daughter of James and Ethell (Musgrave) Montague, Shirley was born on December 28, 1935 in Alton Illinois. She married Don (Donnie) D. Dowdy on May 5, 1955.
Shirley is survived by her daughter Lyn Dowdy; her son, Aaron Dowdy; both of her children live outside of Austin, Texas. Other survivors include her grandson, Alex; and other relatives and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents James and Ethell; her siblings Marie and James “Bud”; and her husband of 41 years.
After graduating from Alton High School, Shirley attended one year at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee. Shirley and Don were married on May 5, 1955 at Roxana Church of Christ. They moved to California after visiting her sister and brother-in-law in California. Shirley gave birth to their first child, a daughter in 1963 and their son in 1965.
Shirley devoted the next 20 years to her raising and caring for her children. On occasion, Shirley worked as a dental assistant, church secretary and office administrator. As an empty-nester Shirley spent the 20+ years caring for several different elderly women from the church and local trailer park. In 2017, Shirley fulfilled Don’s dream of moving of Austin, Texas. She enjoyed spending time with her grandson and was especially happy when her son move backed to the United States after almost 30 years in the Netherlands. Following his mother’s example, Aaron became her primary caregiver from March 2023 until her death.
On February 18, 2026, our mom left her house, called by her Savior, to her new address in heaven. As a Christian believer this is the culmination of a life well lived on earth. Some may not believe as she did, but that cannot take away from her Victory in Jesus.
Our peace comes from our savior.
Our comfort comes from the Holy Spirt.
And our strength comes from our creator.
We will remember the mother who taught us about my Creator, God; our Savior, Jesus and our comforter, the Holy Spirit.
Victory in Jesus was given to our mother through the enormous grace of God.
A graveside service will be held Monday, March 2 at 11:30am at Valhalla Memorial Cemetery, 2308 W Delmar Ave, Godfrey, IL 62035
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
