Shirley Lou Wilsman Weaverling

Shirley Lou Wilsman Weaverling (88) went to be with her Savior Jesus Christ surrounded by her family on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. Shirley was born in Burr Oak, Kansas on July 18, 1934 to her farming parents, Kenneth and Pauline Wilsman. The family moved around during her early years as it was the Great Depression and the years of the Dust Bowl.

In the 8th grade her parents settled in Mankato, Kansas where Shirley met the love of her life, Darrell. She graduated as the valedictorian of her class at Mankato High School in 1952. She and Darrell became engaged that summer when he was drafted into the Army to serve in the Korean War.

They were married July 11, 1954, one week after his discharge from the Army and moved to Manhattan, Kansas where Darrell enrolled at Kansas State University. They later moved to Topeka, Kansas where they raised their family. Shirley worked part time doing clerical work in the insurance industry. She loved to cook and try new recipes, keeping journals of what she served to her many friends that she loved to host. She and Darrell enjoyed many years of dinner bridge club and went on many trips with their children and later with their dear friends.

Shirley was unusually gifted in making and maintaining friendships. She sent birthday cards and Christmas greetings to a large number of friends that she and Darrell had made over the years. She also excelled at making her home a welcoming place for others, always trying new recipes and noting how they were received as well as acquiring pretty dishes and table settings.

Shirley faithfully served in many capacities in her church: Children's Sunday School teacher, Women's Missionary Society, greeter--first at West Side Baptist Church and later at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene. She also enjoyed leading or participating in many ladies Bible studies.

To their union were born three children, Tamara, Kurt, and Amy. Her family was her first priority after her relationship with God. She leaves 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Shirley is survived by her beloved husband Darrell, Tammy (Jeff) Powell, Kurt (Melissa) Weaverling, and Amy (Mike) Swickard. Her grandchildren are Josh Powell (Halleigh, Hayden, Hunter), Jaymie (Casey) Moore (Clara, Jackson, Miriam), Jenna (Jonathan) Runyan (Emma, Thomas, Luke, Simon, Judah), Joy (Bill) Davenport (Liam, Colton, Marshall, Sawyer, Grayson), Jeriel (Keith) Fine (Charley, Paisley, Wesley), Joanna (Josh) Powell (Ellie Jo, Ivy Grace), Abby (Mike) Peoples, Faith (Dawsyn) Birtell, Caleb Powell, Amanda (Austin) Olinger (Wyatt, Claire), Savanah (Brandon) Weaverling, Garrett Swickard, Andrew Swickard, Sarah Swickard, Rachel (Tristan) Webb.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be made in Shirley's memory to the Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66608 or to Meals on Wheels of Eastern Kansas, 2134 SW Westport Drive, Topeka, KS 66614.

Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3