Shirley Irene (Schul) Knepper
November 23, 1925 ~ April 14, 2010
Knepper, Shirley Irene (Schul), 84, passed away, Wednesday, April 14, 2010. Service 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 17, Downing Lahey Mortuary East. Interment 3:00 p.m., Saturday, Highland Cemetery, Winfield, KS. Shirley was born November 23, 1925 in Little River, KS to Fred M. and Mildred (Miles) Schul. They moved to a farm southwest of Winfield, where she lived until her marriage to Carl D. Knepper, July 25, 1948. Shirley began teaching in the fall of 1945 at Douglass, KS. She later taught at Centennial and Tannehill, one room schools in rural Cowley County, KS. In 1948 she moved with her husband to Pittsburg, KS where she taught at Langdon Elementary School near Pittsburg. In 1949, Shirley enrolled in art and art education at Pittsburg State University which led to her career as an art educator. In 1951 she began teaching in the Wichita Public Schools as a kindergarten teacher and after three years was recommended by her principal for the position of art coordinator in the elementary schools, a position that she retained until her retirement. Shirley is survived by her husband, Carl D. Knepper, daughter, Lisa Norris (Tracy), granddaughter, Stephanie Hett (Forrest), brother, Bill Schul (Jeanne) of Wakarusa, KS and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the Alzheimers Association, 347 S. Laura, Wichita, KS, 67211.
Interment 3:00 p.m., Saturday, Highland Cemetery, Winfield, KS.
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Hello. And Bye.
I shall never forget Shirley Knepper. Lisa’s husband, Tracy, is my son, and Shirley and Carl accepted me in the family along with Tracy and always made me feel very much a part of their lives. They always included me in their activities, especially concerning Tracy and Lisa. They were so very good to me; I wll never forget. Shirley was, in fact, vibrant, energetic, friendly and full of fun. She was a good cook and loved to entertain. Sadly, when we were living those ‘good old days’, we didn’t think about the fact that it wouldn’t always be that way, that things would change, and we would move on, some to the next world, leaving those of us who loved them to mourn the loss. But no one can take away the memories, and I have many good ones of Shirley!
We’re sorry to hear about Shirley. Our prayers are with Carl, Lisa their family. We’ll always remember Shirley as here bright and vibrant person she was.
Shirley was always so much fun to be around. My earliest memories of her were in the late 1960’s, going to the Gillis family reunions at Island park and always looking forward to her famous tuna casserole and listening to her stories about Lisa, Carl and life in general. She could always make us smile. She will be missed.
She was Classy Lady, full of love and fun for family & friends. I am proud to have had her as my Aunt Shirley, lots of wonderful memories to hold in my heart forever.
I have met many wonderful people and their families through my work but none have touched me as deeply as Mrs. Knepper. It was a special day when I was able to visit with her at Reflection Living and see that fabulous smile! The love that you, her family, surrounded her with is a testimony to all of us who had the privilege to know you. I will be thinking of you all during this time and will miss her.
Shirley & I were classmates at Winfield High and attended church with the Knepper & Schul families years ago. My heartfelt condolences to both families. My love & prayers, Claribel (Miller) Bowers, Bonita, CA.
LISA, I remember how loving and inclusive Shirley was toward me and my family, and how much she loved you and your family. I know you loved her a lot , and gave her your love unreservedly, even after she became ill. I am grieving with you. CARL , I remember your patient and loving care toward Shirley as your wife , and the mother of your dear daughter. I remember her spiritual attitudes and honest worship in spitit and in truth, I felt that your relationship was an example to follow. STEPHANIE, I recall your feelings of safety with your grandmother, and the loving feelings you had for each other . I haven’t met Forest. TRACY , I know you had many close feelings for Shirley. I am glad for you both at having had this kind of experience. FOR ALL OF YOU I am aware of the big hole there will be with her passing . I encourage you all to do much remembering as you honor her on Saturday.
Shirley is my Aunt. So many great times, she will always be rememberd and loved by me.
Rest in Peace Shirley……….You will never be forgotten.
I was sorry to read of Shirley’s passing. I enjoyed meeting her and talking with her about art and cats when Vicki was in town for a visit.