Christina Marie “Chris” Clark-Shanahan, age 61, of Delmar, Iowa, passed away on April 16, 2026.

Chris was born on January 24, 1965, in Maquoketa, Iowa, to the late Gerald “Fuzzy” Clark and Patsy Clark. She was a 1983 graduate of Andrew High School. Following graduation, she attended Capri College, and went on to build a successful career as a hairdresser for more than 30 years.

In 2002, Chris started Iron Hill Retrievers, the love and passion she had for each, and every one of her dogs over the years is well known. She always set out to improve the dog breeds and to provide the best companion for their families. Many of these dogs competed in dog shows and ended up becoming champions. She worked with Puppy Jake Foundation and donated dogs for service veterans.

She married her husband Ron Shanahan on September 18th, 2016. They loved spending time with their grandkids as well as going out to breakfast. She earned her nickname “Puppy Grandma” and it stuck. They continued to grow Iron Hill Retrievers together and found great success.

Chris was a loving, kind, and funny woman who brought warmth and light to everyone around her. She was known for her generous spirit, her infectious laugh, and the way she made others feel welcome. She was a pillar of the community, and you couldn’t go anywhere in Jackson County without someone knowing who she was. Her family and friends will forever cherish the memories of her humor, compassion, and unwavering devotion to the people she loved.

Chris was a Christian, and her faith was an important part of her life. She lived with grace and strength, and her faith provided comfort and guidance throughout her journey. She especially loved spending time with her family, and she treasured attending events with her grandchildren and being present for their lives.

Chris is survived by her husband, Ron Shanahan of Delmar, IA; son, Michael Smith of Andrew, IA; her daughter, Andrea (Blake) Oberbroeckling of Cedar Rapids, IA; her stepdaughter, Brittney (Casey) Henderson of Maquoketa, IA; her stepson, Ryan Shanahan Preston, IA; her mother, Patsy Clark of Maquoketa, IA; her stepmother, JoAnn (William) Larson of Maquoketa, IA; her sisters Teresa (Tod) Hansen of Maquoketa, IA; and Kathy Clark of Maquoketa, IA; her brother, Johnny Clark of Cedar Rapids, IA; mother-in-law, Arlene Shanahan of Maquoketa, IA; brother-in-law Randy (Kathryn) Shanahan of Maquoketa, IA; brother-in-law, Jim Shanahan of Maquoketa, IA; brother-in-law, Joe (Toby) Potter-Shanahan of Portugal. She was “Puppy Grandma” to 9 grandchildren, Callie Smith, Chloe Smith, Bowden Smith, Jaxon Oberbroeckling, Oliver Oberbroeckling, Gunner Henderson, Ryker Henderson, Maclan Henderson, and Declan Henderson.

She was preceded in death by her father, Gerald “Fuzzy” Clark, grandmother Irma Clark, father-in-law Paul Shanahan, brother-in-law Ric Shanahan, her dogs Zeus, Maggie, Runfina, Magic, Fergie, Zoshia, and many more.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 P.M., Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Delmar, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and cards of condolence may be sent to the family in Chris’s honor at Carson Celebration of Life Center, 318 W. Pleasant Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060.

Chris will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.CarsonAndSon.com.