Shirley Jo (Lankford) Witt, 79, of Kendall died Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, at Touch of Home in Tomah.
She was born June 30, 1935, to James A. and Anna Mae (Cosby) Lankford in Columbus, Ky. She was a member of the Mauston High School graduating class of 1953. After high school, she attended business college in Madison. She worked for several years at various secretarial positions, her last position being for the Royall School District. Shirley was united in marriage to Ivan Witt on June 17, 1961, at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.
She was known for making candy and was known as the “Candy Lady.” She was a faithful member of St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she was baptized and confirmed, and served on the Ladies Aid. Shirley was a devoted wife and a loving mother and grandmother.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Ivan of Kendall; three sons, Sterling (Lee Anne), Kevin and Kenneth (Barbara), all of Kendall; two grandchildren, Megan and Travis Witt of Kendall; two brothers, James (Dina) Lankford of Skokie, Ill., and William (Francis) Lankford of Port Edwards, Wis.; and a sister, Gloria Lankford of Eau Claire; and several other nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends
She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Danny; and an infant sister, Anna Louise.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 25525 County Hwy. P, Ontario, WI 54651. Pastor Steven W. Neuman will officiate. Burial will be in the South Ridge Lutheran Cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited to call Tuesday at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church from 4–8 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
