August 19, 2019

Shirley Ann Chambers

03-09-1935 to 08-16-2019

Linn County News

Published Aug. 21, 2019

Shirley Ann Chambers, 84, amazing mother, grandmother, great grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and mammie to many, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, at Prairie Elder Care Home in Overland Park, Kan. Shirley was born in Fort Scott, Kan., March 9, 1935, to Cleatis Carl and Thelma Mae (Cummings) Duncan. 

She had to drop out of high school with the passing of her mother when she was 16. She then helped raise her younger siblings. She worked at the local drug store counter and Mercy Hospital. The nuns at Mercy taught her to make pies, which was just the beginning of her famous pie making skills. Being from a family with little means, she would buy a yard of fabric after receiving her paycheck on Fridays and go home and make a skirt for a date that night. She was a self-taught master chef, baker, gardener, artist, seamstress, designer and entertainer.

She married William (Bill) Gerald Chambers on Sept. 12, 1953. They moved to Johnson County and raised their family. Bill and Shirley opened and operated many companies during their 52 years of marriage. In 1991 they moved to La Cygne, Kan., for their retirement. She loved to host her famous brunches, and that love grew into hosting luncheons, showers and weddings. She believed everyone deserved the wedding of their dreams, and she made sure they did.

Her wisdom and comforting nature always shined through as with the passing of her husband. She said, “In memory there is a resurrection of the life of a spirit. Memory is our hold on to the past, our solace in the present and our hope in the future.” When you think of Shirley, may you remember her love, kindness, generosity and tenacity she had for life.  May her smile illuminate your path and brighten your way.

She was extremely proud of her family and the love they have for one another. She loved teaching her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren life lessons. She loved unconditionally and had the most giving spirit, a true disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ. Her love for him was evident in every part of her daily life. She was a true follower of Christ and lived in his word.

Shirley is survived by her brother, Dean (Barbara) Duncan, of La Cygne; sisters-in-law Jaunita (Chambers) Long of La Cygne and Sue (Moore) Duncan of Overland Park; four daughters, Ruth Anne Lawrence of Stilwell, Kan., Susan Gaye (Kenny) Walker of La Cygne, Janet Lea (Walt) Eldridge of La Cygne, and Linda Jo (Steve) Hisel of La Cygne; a son, Robert “Jerry” (Jamie) Chambers, of La Cygne; 19 grandchildren; and 44 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Thelma and Carl Duncan; her husband, Bill Chambers; infant son William Gerald Chambers Jr.; brother Dennis Duncan; sisters Donna (Duncan) Parker and Doris (Duncan) Belcher; brothers-in-law Joe Chambers, Jim Chambers, Vernon Long and John Parker; sisters-in-law Virginia (Salmon) Chambers and Sally (Bremerkamp) Chambers; and son-in-law Steve Lawrence.

We were blessed to find the perfect home for Mom in her final years at Prairie Elder Care. The caretakers and staff took great care of her, showing her love and compassion. Ascend Hospice stepped in and provided much comfort to not only Mom but to our whole family. We are so blessed and grateful for them all. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, La Cygne. Burial will be at Fort Scott National Cemetery. The rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at the church, followed by sharing of memories and visitation until 7 p.m. at the church.

Contributions are suggested to Grady's Kids or Shirley Chamber Dementia Foundation, c/o Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box 304, La Cygne, KS 66040. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.