Mary Lou Shannan

Mary Lou Shannan, 91, a longtime resident of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Parkview Care Center.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield, with Pastor Danny Cary officiating. A gathering to celebrate her life will follow at the Fairfield Community Center. Burial will take place at Pattison Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Ethnos 360, SIMS Missions, or Hospice Compassus and sent to the family at 2568-269th St., Fairfield, Iowa, 52556.

Mary Lou was born on December 25, 1933, in Fairfield to Gaston and Bessie (Keller) Droz. She married the love of her life, Jimmie L. Shannan, on October 5, 1952, in Stockport, Iowa. Jim preceded her in death on May 8, 2001.

Together, Mary Lou and Jim shared a beautiful partnership, both in marriage and in their many joint ventures, including managing the family farm and business, Shannan Horse and Hound, in Fairfield. Their shared dedication extended beyond the farm, as they opened their home to countless children in the community as foster parents, enriching many lives with their love and care. Mary Lou was also involved in her community, volunteering for various groups, including the Bargain Box in Fairfield.

A lover of music and the arts, Mary Lou had a beautiful singing voice and was talented on piano. “O Holy Night” at Christmas, performed with her powerful voice and without a microphone, remains a cherished memory for many.

Throughout her life, Mary Lou's unwavering faith in God was her guiding light. Her commitment to her faith was evident in her constant study of the Scriptures, her service to others, and her kind, generous heart. Mary Lou was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Fairfield.

Those left to honor her memory include her sons, Kirk (Mary) Shannan of Fairfield and Kevin (Bill) Shannan of Worthington, Ohio; her grandchildren, Jessica, Justin (Erin), Casey (Bub), Jeremy (Rosmira), Jodi (Winston), Chance (Amy), Quest (Kelsey), and Noble; her great-grandchildren, Chase, Brett, Shamus, Noah, Ben, Charlie, Breeze, George, Millie, Duke, Ryder, and Carson; many nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Jannine; and the many foster children she lovingly nurtured, including Chad, Ray, Tammy, and Chris.

In addition to her husband, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her sons, Mike and Todd Shannan; and her brother, Harold Droz.