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.
OBITUARIES
Keith Alan Smith ~ 12-01-1952 to 12-07-2024
Linn County News Published December 11, 2024 Keith Alan Smith, age 72, La Cygne, Kan., passed away Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, at the Pleasanton High School. Memorial contributions are suggested... [More]
Sherman Leroy Spence ~ 08-09-1940 to 12-06-2024
Linn County News Published December 11, 2024 Sherman Leroy Spence, age 84, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. He was born on Aug. 9, 1940, in Welch, Okla., the son of Roy and Sadie Reavis Spence. After graduating from Pleasanton High School, Sherm... [More]
Richard Lee Lindsey ~ 10-06-2955 to 12-08-2024
Linn County News Published December 11, 2024 Richard Lee Lindsey, age 69, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. He was born in Wichita, Kan., on Oct. 6, 1955, the son of Glen and Lilah Hall Lindsey. He graduated from Pleasanton High School. He then... [More]
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- Merle Lynn Schneider ~ 11-04-1948 to 12-06-2024
- Cynthia Eileen “Cindy” Staton ~ 03-31-1957 to 11-26-2024
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- Arnot Franklin Baldwin, Jr. ~ 12-06-1931 to 08-18-2024
- Deloris Marie Baldwin ~ 09-07-1936 to 10-01-2024
- Brandon Michael Eastwood ~ 09-19-1982 to 11-12-2024
- Sherri Marie Crane ~ 03-28-1969 to 11-12-2024
- Charles Schmitz ~ 07-21-1948 to 11-05-2024
NEWS
Lettuce, lettuce for everyone
USD 344 wins vertical sustainability garden grant A grant that Pleasanton USD 344 went after in October 2023 for a pod to grow vertical sustainability gardens was confirmed won by the district. Superintendent Don Epps said the program should produce 400 to 500 heads... [More]
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Three local schools and one local business are working to ensure that all of Linn County has a happy and healthy holiday season. Pleasanton Elementary, Parker Elementary and La Cygne Elementary are collecting canned and shelf-stable food products for the holiday season. Parker... [More]
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During the Dec. 9 meeting, Linn County Commissioner Jim Johnson noted he had been asked by several people and questioned County Clerk David Lamb on the process that will take place when his resignation becomes effective. Lamb explained to the commissioners that it is up to... [More]
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SPORTS
Prairie View varsity girls’ wrestling compete at Spring Hill
The Prairie View girls’ varsity wrestling team traveled to Spring Hill on Dec. 7 to compete in the Spring Hill Girls’ Invitational. The Lady Buffs placed 10th out of 21 teams with a score of 46. Gardner Edgerton won the tournament with a score of 179. Here are the... [More]
Jayhawk varsity girls’ wrestling start season at KanOkla tournament
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com