Shirley Mae Davis was born December 1, 1925, in Nepeuskun, Wisconsin.
She was the first of eleven children born to Enda (Kroll) Davis and
Percy Davis. Shirley died February 9, 2022, at the age of 96 at sun
Porch in Smith Center, Kansas surrounded by her family.
With encouragement from the sister of Vern Shanley, Shirley wrote to
Vern during WWII. They met after his tour of duty and married on
September 30, 1944. In the early 1950s, Vern and Shirley moved back to
his home state of Kansas. While raising their seven children, she was
known for her excellent cooking and beautiful seamstress work.
In 1969, Shirley went to work for Doris Beam at Simmons Flowers just
behind the Simmons Mortuary. She later purchased the shop and moved it
to Main Street. In retirement Shirley and Vern enjoyed gardening and
tending to their beloved dog Zoe.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Edna and Percy Davis:
her husband Vern Shanley; son Merlin Shanley; daughter in law, Terry
McDowell Shanley; granddaughter Melissa Shanley Bender; siblings Warren,
Everett, Marvin and Loretta; 3 great grandchildren and 1 great great
grandchild.
Shirley is survived by her children Maurice (Pat) Shanley of Omaha,
NE.; Melvin Shanley of San Antonio, TX.; Londa (Bill) Ryman of Liberty,
Mo.; Lorita (Jerry) Nichols of Salina KS.: Lois Allen of Downs, KS.; 13
Grandchildren; 25 Great grandchildren; and 13 great great grandchildren;
siblings Gordon Davis; Betty Marquart; Lois Stone; Kenny (Sharon)
Davis; Joan (lee) Stibb; Ron (Sandy) Davis.
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