Shirley H. Howse
August 16, 2008
Shirley H. Howse, loving wife and mother age 82, passed away on August 16, 2008. The great loves of her life were her husband, Bill, her family, her cattle ranch in the Palo Duro Canyon of Texas, and their ranch in the Flint Hills of Kansas. She enjoyed the out door ranching life and especially riding horses. She attended the University of Arizona, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority, and she served as sorority president during her junior year. Shirley completed an honors course in pre-law subjects and graduated with honors in 1947. After graduating from college in 1947, Shirley married Bill. They lived in Tucson, Arizona until Bills graduation in February 1948., after which they moved to Wichita where Bill began his business activity. In 1983 Bill and Shirley moved to the Lighthouse Canyon Ranch, adjoining the Palo Duro Canyon State Park in West Texas. While living there, Shirley served as a Deacon in the First Presbyterian Church in Canyon, Texas, and as President of the Dreamland Cemetery Association in Canyon. She was also active with her husband in a number of ranching and environmental organizations. Since returning to Wichita in 1998, Shirley has been a member of the Land Institute; the Audobon Society and Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Shirley is survived by her husband of 61 years, William E. Howse, three children, Mary H. von Merveldt of Dallas, Texas; Robert H. Howse of Wichita; and Joan H. Lewis of McKinney, Texas; and by eight grandchildren, two great grand children, and her brother Ed Harrell of Amarillo, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, August 20, at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers memorials to Shirley may be sent to the Charity of the Donors Choice.
Celebration of life will be held 10:30 AM, Wednesday, August 20, 2008, Eastminster Presbyterian Church.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Bob and Emily – We were so sorry to read about your Mother. Please know you’re in our hearts and thoughts. I wish we could have been at the service, but we’re currently out of town. Take care of yourselves, Jon and Kelly
Dear Joan and family, So sorry to hear about your Mom. May your family take comfort in all the sweet memories that you have with her. Take care. Sincerely, Edd and Kay Harms
We were sorry to hear of the death of Shirley. We have sweet memories of your family. Our prayers are with you. Love, Stanley and Nell McDonough
Bill, Bob, Mary and Joanie: My heartfelt sympathy goes to your family during your loss. Shirley was such a great person and I always loved her coming to the ranch when I was growing up. She will be missed by all. May God be with you and your family during this difficult time.
Shirley was such a wonderful person and contributed so much to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed.
Dear Bob, It was with much sadness that I learned of your Mom’s passing. I want you to know you are in my family’s thoughts and prayers at this time. No matter how old we or our parents become, or how independent we think we have grown, we are never ready to lose a loved parent. I was amazed at how affected I was at my Mother’s death. Jan and I will be thinking of you in the days to come. God Bless You and Your Family, Mark & Jan Aberle
Bill, Bob, Mary, and Joan: It was with great sorrow that I learned of Shirley’s death. I remember her so very well as a vivacious, energetic, and beautiful woman. She was so gracious to me always, and I remember your home as my own. Please know that I am thinking of all you–I miss all of you, and that your mother and wife will be lovingly remembered.