Shirley was born on August 12, 1936, in Lucerne, Kansas, to James “Jim” Morgan-Leroy Mowry and Freda Elnora (Randolph) Mowry. She graduated from Wilsonville High School in Nebraska in 1954. On June 5, 1954, she married Wilfred Isom Taylor. He preceded her in death on December 12, 1963.
On February 14, 1965, Shirley was united in marriage to Walter John “Walt” Hemman at Immanuel Lutheran Church near Hoxie, Kansas. Their story began when Walt walked into the ASCS office where Shirley was working, simply to “give her trouble.” Their lives soon became intertwined, and together they were blessed with three children, Treva, Nathan, and Darcee.
Shirley was a devoted wife and mother and a woman who believed in working hard and helping others. Throughout her life, she worked as a nanny and housekeeper, helped on the family farm, and served her community as a nurse aide at Sheridan Community Hospital. She also worked at the State Bank and Della’s Café before joining Walt at The Hoxie Sentinel. In her later years, she lovingly cared for Walt and his health needs.
Her faith was an important part of Shirley’s life. Her family called her the “Prayer Warrior”. She was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She also enjoyed participating in the Thursday Afternoon Craft Club and Yoga Club.
Shirley found great joy in the simple things in life. She loved reading, baking sweet treats, crocheting, and spending time with her family. She was especially known for her wonderful hugs, the best back scratches and her chicken and rice meal. Christmas held a special place in her heart, and she made this a magical time for her children, taking great delight in finding the “just right” gift for each person she loved.
Shirley’s creativity and love for her family can be seen in the many crocheted afghans she made throughout the years. Among the most treasured are the “Grammy Blankets” she created for each of her grandchildren in their favorite colors. These blankets will remain lasting reminders of her love and thoughtfulness.
Shirley was a loyal friend and an exceptional listener. She always signed her cards or said good-bye to her children, saying, “Keep the Faith.” Other favorite sayings were to “count your blessings” and to “look on the bright side.”
Those who knew Shirley will remember her for her caring heart, strong faith, generous spirit, and the encouragement she offered to others. Whether saying goodbye to someone or signing a card, Shirley had one familiar reminder that expressed the way she lived her life: “Keep the Faith.”
Left to cherish Shirley’s memory are her children, Treva Levering of Salina; Nathan (Cindy) Hemman of Seneca; and Darcee (Carl) Redden of Gypsum; her brother, Jearld “Jake” (Joan) Mowry of Arapahoe, Nebraska; sisters-in-law, Irene Hedge of Middleton, Florida, and Lil (Bob) Harms of Cañon City, Colorado; 12 grandchildren, Cameron Manaugh, Bailee Levering, Cody Levering, Cooper Levering, Julia (John) Doan, Anthony Hemman, Mary (Collin) Eischeid, Nicholas Hemman, Sarah (Michael) Scott, Timothy Hemman, Clarissa Hemman, and Daniel Hemman; great-grandchildren, Madison Manaugh, Caylee Manaugh, Joseph Eischeid, and Niko Scott and with baby boy, Doan, expected soon; along with many loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, James and Freda Mowry; her first husband, Wilfred Taylor; her husband, Walter Hemman; her brothers, Keith Mowry and Terry Mowry; her sister, Lynnette Mowry Housh; and her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Norman Hemman, Willard Hedge, and Edward and Louise Oelke.
A Funeral Service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hoxie, Kansas, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow in the Hoxie City Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service from Noon until 1:45 PM.
Memorials are suggested to the Sheridan County Benefit Walk, American Bible Society, or Immanuel Lutheran Church and sent to Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. “Keep the Faith.”