Shirley Ruth Fairfield, 94, of Seneca, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 26, 2025, at her apartment at Credo Assisted Living.

Shirley was born on July 24, 1930, on the family farm near Pawnee City, Nebraska, to Henry and Gertrude Freda (Bucher) Hess, Jr. She attended country school through the eighth grade and graduated from Pawnee High School in 1947. After graduation, Shirley taught at country schools in Pawnee County for two years before relocating to Lincoln, Nebraska, where she worked at the Elgin Clock and Watch Factory.

On December 16, 1951, Shirley married Donald Fairfield at Friedens United Church of Christ near Bern, Kansas. After their marriage, Donald served in the Korean War, and upon his return, the couple made their home west of Summerfield. They later moved to the Fairfield family farm, where they worked side by side and raised three children. After 35 years of marriage, Donald passed away on January 6, 1987, at the age of 58.

In 1989, Shirley moved to Seneca, Kansas, where she enjoyed her new home and cherished spending time with family and friends. Shirley was a faithful member of Friedens United Church of Christ.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents, Henry and Gertrude Hess; her sisters, Jane Bridgeman and Loree Farwell; and her brother, Larry Hess.

She is survived by her three children: Connie (John) Rundle of Lenexa, Kansas; Debra (Roger) Rochel of Tonganoxie, Kansas; and David (Carla) Fairfield of Waukee, Iowa. Shirley is also survived by her siblings: Ardyth Farwell of Humboldt, Nebraska; Carolyn Droge of DuBois, Nebraska; Donna Lantz of Austin, Texas; Judith Albers of Pawnee City, Nebraska; Lyle Hess of Pawnee City, Nebraska; and Diane Droge of Pawnee City, Nebraska. Additionally, Shirley leaves behind seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who were her pride and joy.

The family will visit with friends from 5:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The funeral service, officiated by Ken Tubbesing, will be held at 10:30 a.m.on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at Friedens United Church of Christ, north of Seneca. A lunch will follow the service . Burial will be at 2 P.M. at Rose Hill Cemetery in Axtell following the lunch.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Friedens United Church of Christ.