White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Shirley M. Miller Brace, 91 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at Lexington Estate inIndependence.  She was born on April 12, 1928, in Independence, the daughter of Raymond Cyrus and Nesida Abbott Gates.  She graduated from high school in Independence with the Class of 1946.  On November 27, 1947, she and Kenneth Dale Miller were married at the First MethodistChurch in Independence.  He preceded her in death in 1982.  On January 9, 1988, she and Loren Giles Brace were married at Immanuel LutheranChurch in Independence.  He preceded her in death in 1998.  Mrs. Brace was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence.  She was formerly a volunteer for Buchanan County Hospice and enjoyed dancing, line dancing, playing cards (500), and playing golf.

Shirley and her first husband, Kenneth, were dairy farmers north of Independence for 17 years.  They also owned and operated Miller Trailer Court.  She was secretary for Kenneth for 10 years when he was an Iowa State Representative.  They also owned the Pinicon Hotel for 2 years.

Mrs. Brace is survived by 3 sons, Larry (Rita) Miller of Minnetonka, MN, Allen (Karen) Miller of North Aurora, IL, and Joel (Sylvia) Miller of Robins, Iowa, 6 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren.  She is also survived by 2 step daughters, Julie (Mike) Lenius and Janie (Alan) Kimball, both of Independence, 2 step sons, David (Judy) Brace of Independence and Doug (Kathy) Brace of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and her special friend, Duane Werger of Independence.

In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers, Loyal “Buster” Gates and Raymond Gates.

Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2019, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence with Rev. Greg DeBoer officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.  Friends may call for visitation from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15^th, at the White Funeral Home in Independence.