Shirley M. Bebermeyer Holle was born on the family farm north of Hiawatha, September 8, 1931, one of three children born to the late Herbert and Viola Koelliker Bebermeyer.  She died Tuesday evening, December 29, 2015, at Vintage Park in Hiawatha after a brief illness.  

Shirley attended Hart 33 country school near Reserve, where she graduated from the eighth grade prior to graduating from Hiawatha High School, with the class of 1949.  Shirley later graduated from Baker University in 1953, with a bachelor’s of science degree in history.  While at Baker, she was active Tri-Delta Sorority and with Delta Delta Delta.  Shirley taught school for ten years at Welda, Barnes, Reserve and later Powhattan where she resigned in the spring 1969.  

Shirley enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, and an avid KU basketball fan.  She was full of life, and the type of person that made a lasting impression once you met her.  Most of all, she did NOT act her age!

She married Verlin Holle, April 9, 1955, at Hiawatha.  They farmed and raised hogs north of Hiawatha.  However, Shirley will be real quick to say it was Verlin that farmed…not her!  She took a job with the state of Kansas in Hiawatha in 1969, started as a social worker, retiring in 1993 as a supervisor for the income/maintenance division, then known as SRS or Social and Rehabilitative Services.  He died June 20, 2001.  She was also preceded in death by her parents; and a brother Robert “Tony” Bebermeyer in January 12, 2014.

Survivors include a son David (Laura) of rural Hiawatha; a brother Chuck (Jane) Bebermeyer, also of rural Hiawatha; three grandchildren:  Shawn (Jill) Holle, Jeremey (Kathy) Holle and Amber Holle; two great-grandchildren:  Hunter Verlin and Allison Annabelle Holle.  Also surviving are five nieces and nephews:  Jody, Tedd, Sara, Julie, and Michelle.

It was Shirley’s wish to be buried privately with her family and close friends present.  She will be buried next to Verlin at Mt. Hope Cemetery.  The family will meet with friends from 12 noon until 1:30 p.m. Saturday, January 2,  at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha.  Following visitation, Shane Spangler will reflect on Shirley’s life.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 12 noon until 6 Friday

Memorial contributions are suggested to Holle Farm Scholarship Fund at Hiawatha High School, or Bake Foundation Tri-Delta Scholarship Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.  A message or story may be shared at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com