INDEPENDENCE – Shirley A. Bagby, 87, of Independence, formally of Winthrop, died Thursday Nov. 17, at Lexington Estates, Independence.Shirley was born on Feb. 13, 1929 in Jesup, the daughter of Paul and Irene (Ehr) Kerkove. She graduated from Jesup High School and started working as a telephone operator in Jesup. She later worked at the Black Hawk County Courthouse as Head Bookkeeper for many years. On October 12, 1954 she married John Raymond Bagby in Jesup, and they later made their home in Winthrop, where they raised their eight children. John passed away on Sept. 10, 1988, and she moved to Independence in 1994. She loved to keep her mind busy, playing word games, sewing, and volunteering around the community. But what she loved the most was when the family got together.She is survived by her children: Craig "Buck" (Karen) Bagby, Solon, Bill Bagby and friend Maurene Spellmeyer, Eagle Grove, Mark (Cindy) Bagby, Winthrop, Michael Bagby, Winthrop, Jeff (Sheri) Bagby, Forney, Texas, Brad (Julie) Bagby, Independence, and Marsha (Tim) Carter, Independence; fifteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren; a brother, Jack (Rose) Kerkove, New Hampton; and four sisters: Janette Kester, Jesup, Margaret Dilts, Independence, Mary Lou (Franck) Teel, Evansdale, and Barb (Bob) Fernald, Jesup.Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband John; a daughter Bonnie Bagby; and two sisters: Madonna Coulter, and Alice Fernau.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the St. John's Catholic Church, Independence, with Fr. David Beckman presiding. Burial will be held in the St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery, Winthrop. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence, where a Rosary will be recited at 3 p.m. and a Parish Wake Service will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday.To leave an on-line condolence please go to www.reifffuneralhome.com under obituaries.