Shirley Darlene Theis

Shirley Darlene Theis, age 80, passed away peacefully at home on August 30th, 2022.

She was born on September 13th,1941 in Manhattan, Kansas. Shirley was the daughter of Lester Ady and Opal Edna (Swaim) Ady. She has one brother, Lester E. Ady who lives in Topeka, Kansas and a sister Constance Diane Ady who died shortly after birth in 1958.

Shirley was the longtime owner of Shirley's Dog Grooming serving the Manhattan area since 1976. She had many clients over the years including a few who travelled in from out of state to seek her services.

Shirley had married Clifford L. Thorburn in 1959 and they resided in both Manhattan, Kansas and briefly in Davisville, Rhode Island while he was in the Navy during the Vietnam War. They had two children, a son Clifford D. Thorburn who lives in Manhattan, Kansas and a daughter, Nancy D. Worrel who resides in Topeka, Kansas.

Later Shirley met and married Kenneth Theis of Ogden, Kansas and they later resided in Wichita, Kansas for a brief period of time before he suddenly passed away unexpectedly on February 25th, 1981.

Shirley loved to cook and bake and was very fond of trying new dishes. She was also an excellent seamstress and could make many different types of clothing. She was also known for handcrafting the bandanas that she used on her clients' dogs which became somewhat of a trademark of her work. She also crocheted as a hobby and made many projects over the years.

Shirley was blessed with seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one grandson, Patrick Worrel on October 11th, 1984.

Survivors include her brother Lester E. Ady of Topeka, Kansas, son Clifford D. Thorburn of Manhattan, Kansas, daughter Nancy D. Worrel of Topeka, Kansas, granddaughters Deidre Romine of Leonardville, Kansas, Nichole Worrel of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Amanda Broccolo of Manhattan, Kansas, Heather Worrel of Topeka, Kansas, Jessica Corbett of San Angelo, Texas, and grandson Jordan Worrel of Topeka, Kansas.

Shirley chose direct cremation with burial to be planned at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made in her name to the ASPCA since her greatest fondness and love was for animals of all kinds.