Shirley J. Eschen, 80, of Independence, Iowa died Thursday, April 9, 2015 at the Buchanan County Long Term Care Center, Independence, Iowa.

Shirley was born on November 5, 1934 in Brownsdale, MN, the daughter of Chester D. and Alice K. (Halstead) Francis. In 1950 she moved with her family to the Independence, Iowa area and graduated from the Independence High School in 1952. On April 3, 1953 she married Lewis J. Eschen in the Little Brown Church, Nashua, IA.

Shirley loved to spend time with her family and to walk, bicycle, and coffee with her friends.

She is survived by two children; Brenda Hulse and Michael Eschen of Independence, IA, a granddaughter Emily (Kirk) Burkle, Manchester, IA, a great grandson; Payton Burkle, and a sister; JoAnn Hughes, Austin, MN.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lewis in 1995 and a brother Robert Francis.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM Monday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence, Iowa where friends may call from 3 to 7 PM Sunday and from 11 Am till services Monday. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Independence, IA.