Shirley Haverly

Shirley Haverly, 84, of New London, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 29th at St. Cloud Hospital. Her memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 7th at Evangelical Covenant Church in New London. Visitation will be from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Johnson Funeral Home in New London and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in New London. A livestream of the service can be found here. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in New London. www.hafh.org

Shirley Joanne Haverly was born on October 6, 1941, to Stanley and Mildred (Lindquist) Ihlang in New London at the local maternity hospital, a place that would later become her family’s lifelong home. She was baptized and confirmed in New London and graduated from New London High School in 1959. Following graduation, Shirley moved to Minneapolis, where she worked as a secretary for two years.

On March 3, 1961, Shirley married Delroy Haverly at New London Covenant Church. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and devotion, and were blessed with seven children. Early in their marriage, Shirley and Del lived in Manhattan, Kansas while Del served in the military. After his honorable discharge, they returned to New London, where they built their home, raised their family, and shared 63 years of marriage before Del’s passing in 2024.

Shirley’s greatest joy and life’s calling was being a wife, mother, and homemaker. She created a warm and welcoming home, grounded in steadfast love and faith. She was a woman of quiet strength and deep devotion, consistently and faithfully lifting her children and loved ones up in prayer. Her faith was not only something she believed, but something she lived daily through her care, encouragement, and unwavering presence.

Gifted and industrious, Shirley had a remarkable ability to learn new skills and take on challenges with determination. Whether sewing, repairing, or improving her home, she worked with creativity and resourcefulness. She took pride in making things better with her own hands, leaving behind not only a beautiful home but a legacy of perseverance and ingenuity.

Alongside raising her family, Shirley worked faithfully beside her husband, serving as the bookkeeper for Del’s Auto Supply. She was also a devoted member of Evangelical Covenant Church, where her Christian faith flourished. She was active in many areas of ministry, especially with Covenant Women, where she served as treasurer for many years.

Shirley found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments-gardening, water skiing at the lake, playing cards, snowmobiling with friends, and baking, especially pies and buns that became family favorites. She was a talented seamstress, creating outfits for the Little Crow Ski Team and the New London Royalties.

Above all, Shirley treasured her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of her world. She supported them wholeheartedly, celebrated their accomplishments, and surrounded them with love, wisdom, and prayer. Her steady presence, gentle spirit, and enduring love will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

She is survived by her children, Troy (Pam), Cherise, Kristine (Chris) Johnson, Rebecca Ruder, and Sara (Aaron) Schultz; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Randy) Beyer, Jonathan (Karlee) Haverly, Mariah and Logan Hammer, Trent, Trevor (Madison), and Tate (fiancé Macy) Johnson, Lauren, Anna, and Kate Ruder, Bennett, Blake, and Breck Schultz; four great-grandchildren, Emmalyn, Sydney, and Austin Haverly, and Nash Johnson; brother, Robert (Jacqueline) Ihlang; brother-in-law, Jerome Post; and other loved ones, Ann (Brian) Carlton, Mary (Dean) Lohse, Debbie Norris, and Randy (Michelle) Norris.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Del; sons, Courtney and Darren; son-in-law, Bill Ruder; parents, Stanley and Mildred Ihlang, and Junie Norris-Ihlang; and other relatives, Austin and Hazel Haverly, Iola “Tootsie” Post, Marlyn “Swede” and Beverly Haverly, Bonita “Bonnie” Foster and Bill Norris.

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