Shirley Ann Streeter

Shirley Ann Streeter, 92, of Topeka, went home to heaven on October 10, 2026. Her prayers were answered as she came face-to-face with her Lord and Savior and was reunited with Bill, the love of her life, after 322 days apart.

She was born June 13, 1934, in her family’s farmhouse outside Holton, Kansas, to William and Jessie Mesmer. The oldest of three children, Shirley grew up on family farms. The strength and determination she learned as a farm girl stayed with her throughout her life.

Shirley attended Central Christian College and worked at Roach’s Hardware. When her children were nearly grown, she drove a school bus for Seaman and later worked as a receptionist at the Christian radio station Joy 88.

On June 2, 1957, Shirley married Bill Streeter at Rossville Christian Church. Together, they built a marriage and a home grounded in love, faith, and service. Their 68 years together reflected the Scripture: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). Shirley and Bill were known for their affection for one another and their partnership in every area of life. Together, they raised two children, Dwight and Karen, and remained devoted to one another until Bill’s death.

At age 19, Shirley wrote that she wanted her life to “honor her Father in Heaven.” She spent the years that followed living out that desire. Her faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior shaped her everyday choices, her devotion to her family, and her willingness to serve wherever she was needed. The promise of eternal life through Him was the hope she held onto and the reason she faced death with confidence.

Following Bill’s retirement, Shirley and Bill spent nearly 30 years volunteering across the United States and in Mexico. Campers on Mission and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief were especially meaningful to them, as were the lifelong friendships they made serving alongside others.

Shirley loved sewing and crafts and used that gift to serve others through quilting, making T-shirt dresses, and bracelets. She enjoyed traveling, chocolate, ice cream, and collecting antiques with Bill, especially blue and white pottery. She loved holidays, particularly Christmas and its message of Christ’s birth.

She is survived by her son, Dwight Streeter; daughter, Karen Streeter; beloved grandchildren, Jessica, Lauren (Ian), and James; three grandcats; four great-grandchildren and two bonus great-grandchildren; brother, Lloyd Mesmer; and beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Bill, her parents, brother Leonard, and half-sister Wilma.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at Topeka Bible Church, 1101 SW Mulvane Street, on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 10:30 AM. Private interment of Bill and Shirley’s ashes will follow at Rochester Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift of “time or treasure” in Shirley’s memory by volunteering with or donating to SLI, Alpha Children’s Home or Campers on Mission sent in care of Midwest Cremation, 525 SE 37th Street, Topeka, KS 66605.