Shirley Ann Fox

Shirley Ann Fox, age 94, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026. Born on February 29, 1932, in Wichita, Kansas.  Shirley lived a life marked by kindness, grace, and humor, with a deep devotion to her family and friends.

Shirley was known for her warm spirit and genuine compassion for others. She had a remarkable ability to lift others up, leaving people feeling valued, appreciated, and better for having crossed her path. Her life reflected a quiet strength and enduring faith, expressed through everyday acts of care and generosity.

Shirley found joy in life’s simple and meaningful pleasures. She loved gardening, taking pride in nurturing flowers and watching them bloom. Music brought her comfort and happiness, often filling her home and her heart. She was also an avid reader who found both relaxation and inspiration in books, always eager to learn and explore new ideas.

As scripture reminds us, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). Shirley lived as a reflection of that light, bringing warmth and comfort to all who knew her.

In her final days, Shirley’s spirit remained strong and joyful. Just days before her passing, she played her weekly bridge game as usual—and won. On the day she passed, she was alert and joking with her daughters. She was surrounded by her son, James, his wife Chen, and her daughters, Julie and Jan.

Shirley was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her son, James Fox and his wife Chen; her daughters, Julie Hall and her husband Will, and Jan Fox-Petersen and her partner Dan Stockemer; her son-in-law, Fred Petersen; her special friend, Karen Slattery; as well as seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Fox, in 2007; her father, Perry Eash, in 1993; her mother, Iona Eash, in 1959; her brother, Roger Eash, in 2001; and her granddaughter, Jennifer Fox, in 1986.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on June 7th at 1:00 PM at Prairie Hill Vineyard, 3660 North 215^th Street West, Colwich, Kansas 67030.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kansas Humane Society in Shirley’s honor at: 3313 North Hillside, Wichita, Kansas 67219  https://give.kshumane.org/give/326226/#!/donation/checkout.

Shirley’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and quiet dignity. She will be deeply missed and her memory will be cherished always by her family and friends.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.