Shirley Jeanne King
May 19, 1934 ~ September 11, 2026
Born in: Joplin, Missouri
Resided in: Wichita, Kansas
Shirley Jeanne King, age 92, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, at her home with her beloved husband, Robert, by her side.
Shirley was born on May 19, 1934, in Joplin, Missouri, to Manus and Nellie Mae Reeder. She later moved to Humboldt, Kansas, and eventually found her way to Wichita, where she met the love of her life, Robert L. King. Shirley and Robert were married on March 20, 1954, and shared 72 beautiful years of marriage together.
Shirley dedicated 45 years of her life to USD 259, where she was a valued member of the school district. Her commitment to her work and the people she served was an important part of her life and a testament to her dedication and caring nature.
Together, Shirley and Robert raised two daughters and built a loving family. Shirley treasured her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was the greatest joy of her life. She was blessed with four granddaughters and five great-grandchildren, and she took great pride in watching each generation grow.
Shirley enjoyed sewing and cooking, sharing her time and talents with the people she loved. One of her greatest joys was attending the many activities and events of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was always there to cheer them on, celebrate their accomplishments, and make them feel loved and supported.
Her presence at their special moments created memories that her family will cherish for years to come.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Robert L. King; daughter, Susan Ring (Randy); granddaughters, Nicole Roesch (Dustin), Ashley Coon (Nathan), Sara Johnson (Rodney), and Taylor Keighley (Jake); and great-grandchildren, Tatum Johnson, Ali Roesch, Scott Coon, Parker Roesch, and Logan Coon.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Karen Parker; her parents, Manus and Nellie Mae Reeder; sisters, Wyvona Cahill, Lucille McDaniel, and Dorothy Williamson; brother, Willis Reeder; and cousin, Joan Colvin.
Shirley lived a beautiful and loving life surrounded by the people she loved most. She created a family filled with love, cherished countless memories, and leaves behind a legacy that will continue through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her love, kindness, dedication, and presence will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
She will forever be loved, forever remembered, and forever a part of the family she cherished so dearly.
Memorial Service will be at 3:00 pm, Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.
Services
Memorial Service: Saturday, September 19, 2026 3:00 pm
Downing & Lahey West Mortuary
10515 W. Maple
Wichita, KS 67209
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Dearest Aunt Shirley,
We loved your smile, your kindness and your very funny stories of growing up with your crazy sisters!
You are so loved and respected and will be missed by everyone who was blessed to have you in their lives.
Our hearts, prayers and love go out to your loving husband, Bob and beautiful daughter, Susan and all of your wonderful family.
Rest in peace while you can, Aunt Shirley because you have a big job ahead of you watching over all who adored you. And we know you’ll love every minute of it.
GOD bless you and thank you for all the love you showed to everyone.
Gary & Leigh McDaniel
I have so many good memories of visiting Aunt Shirley and Uncle Bob when I was younger and spending time with my cousins Karen and Susan. I always looked forward to those trips to Wichita.
She was a wonderful grandmother and great-grandmother and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Uncle Bob, Susan, and all of the family. ❤️
Rest in peace, Aunt Shirley
Shirley was best motherinlaw to my son Randy. Loving and giving to her family. Grandchildren and great grandchildren. Supporting her grandchildren. Going to their sports. She always had a smile.
To Bob, Susan, and family, we are sad to hear this and are thinking of you all. I’m sure Karen led a great welcoming committee to heaven.
Shirley (Humlicek) Werth
Dear Bob, Susan, and family…We were so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. She was always so bubbly and friendly! She will be sorely missed! Charley and I actually thought we saw her and Bob at Sam’s this week, but they were going out the door, and we weren’t sure it was them or not. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time! It’s so hard to let them go!!