Shirley E. Ochs, 61, of Park, KS passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 27, 2025, after a second battle with cancer. She was born on October 11, 1963, to Billy and Sophie Ochs. Shirley was the fifth of their six daughter family. She was raised on a farm near Park, KS and really enjoyed the outdoors and her quiet country life. Shirley’s interests were art, fashion, sports and dance.
Shirley believed education was very important. She was always eager to learn new things. She graduated from Fort Hays State University, Colby Community College and Goodland Vo-Tech.
Shirley worked as a bank teller, receptionist, medical transcriptionist, pharmacy tech and manager trainee. Her favorite and most important job was being a caregiver for her parents for over 20 years until her cancer returned.
Shirley treasured her family and friends. She enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews. Many hours were spent playing outside with them. There was a special place for all of them in her heart. She made an impact on their lives and everyone’s that she met. She will be greatly missed.
Shirley was a member of the Sacred Heart Church in Park and a member of their Altar Society. Religion was an important part of her life. She prayed and talked to God daily knowing that he was always with her no matter what.
She was preceded in death by her father Billy G. Ochs and mother Sophie Ochs. She is survived by her sisters, Beverly and husband Darold Zimmerman, Darlene and husband Melvern Zimmerman, Kay Ann and husband Larry Schmidt, Jo Ann and husband Ronald Zimmerman, Marilyn and husband Larry Heier; 14 nieces and nephews.
A Rosary will be said at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Park, with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Church or for Masses and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com