Shirley Guyett

Shirley May (Peterson) Guyett, the daughter of Orville and Blanche (Fish) Peterson was born on March 6, 1926 in Harlan, Iowa. She attended the Harlan school district, graduating with the class of 1944. Shirley married the love of her life, Bernard “Bud” Guyett, on February 14, 1952 at the Congo Church in Harlan to Rev. E.J. Arnold. Bud preceded her in death on November 17, 1992. Shirley and Bud gave birth to two boys: Bruce and Tim. For over 50 years, Shirley worked at the courthouse in Harlan working in the treasurer and assessor’s officers. The exact number of years is unknown due to no one being there long enough to remember. But she was given a plaque to acknowledge her number of years. Following her retirement, Shirley cleaned houses with a bunch of gals. She enjoyed the comradery. This is where she met one of her best friends. Shirley was also an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Harlan where she was a Sunday school teacher for many years.
Shirley was a simple gal who lived a simple life. She loved quilting and sewing and being a part of the sewing club. Shirley also enjoyed meeting with the “Good Friends” club. She enjoyed picking and arranging flowers and was an excellent cook. Hamburger egg dumpling soup is one remembered by her family for being delicious. Shirley also loved watching the TV shows Dancing With the Stars and Law and Order, and was an avid reader. When she was younger, Shirley loved dancing to big-band music with Bud. Family was her most important treasure. She ‘enjoyed’ being dragged to Nebraska football games in Lincoln and Boulders, Colorado, and also liked visiting her son, Tim, in Washington state.
On Monday, July 6, 2020, Shirley passed away at her home attaining the age of 94 years and 4 months. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Bud; and her brother Francis. Those left to cherish her memory are her sons Bruce Guyett of Harlan; Tim Guyett of Pasco, Washington; nieces, nephews, and friends.