Colleen Shipton

Colleen Shipton, 96, died peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, at United Church of Monticello with interment in Oakwood Cemetery. Pastor Kathryn Newhall will officiate at the services. Visitation will be held on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello from 3 until 6 p.m. Please use the guestbook to share your thoughts, memories and condolences.

Surviving are two daughters, Deborah (Greg) Guilford, Monticello, Robin (Dirk) Thayer, Prescott, Ariz.; three grandchildren, Laura (Eric) Schmitt, Brian Guilford and Bryce Thayer; three great-grandchildren, Jude Guilford, Addison and Adam Schmitt; in-laws, Roger Wilson, of Carter Lake, Iowa and Donna Maire, of Lake Zurich, Ill. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 46 years, Robert; an infant daughter Judy; and siblings, Jack Maire and Rose Wilson.

Colleen Anne Maire was born Feb. 28, 1929, in Monticello, Iowa, the daughter of Marcus and Anna (Winkler) Maire. Colleen was the valedictorian of the class of 1946 at Monticello Community Schools. She continued her education at the American Institute of Commerce in Davenport. She married Robert Shipton on Sept. 20, 1953, in Monticello. Colleen worked for various insurance agencies in Monticello over the years. The couple moved to San Diego, Calif. in 1982, and Colleen worked in an insurance agency and later as the administrative assistant to the president of Lloyd’s of London Brokerage. Colleen returned to Iowa in 2011 and lived in Marion. In March of 2025, she returned to Monticello where she shared a home with Deb, Greg and Brian Guilford.

Colleen was baptized and confirmed at the E&R Church in Monticello, where she was later church organist. Colleen was also church organist for 27 years at the Congregational Church (United Church of Monticello). She taught Sunday school and served on many church committees. Colleen was a member and officer of the Business and Professional Women’s Association in Monticello. 

The family wishes to thank St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Jones Regional Medical Center in Anamosa, and Above and Beyond Hospice in Monticello for the wonderful care she received.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in memory of Robert Shipton.