Sally D. Shirley, 83, of Grantville, passed away peacefully after an extended illness on Friday, September 10, 2021. 

Sally was born July 24, 1938 at Des Moines, IA, the daughter of Charles Ellsworth and Evelyn Hanson Buford. She was a 1956 graduate of East High School and a 1958 graduate of Grandview College in Des Moines, IA.  Sally was proud to have been elected a cheerleader.  She earned her teaching certificate and taught school in Reno, NV, Topeka and Grantville.  She married Robert W. Shirley on July 19, 1959 at Grantville, where they raised their three daughters, Diane, Saundra and Carla.

Sally was an active member of Grantville United Methodist Church. After her girls were grown, Sally opened her own successful business named Sally’s Ladies Apparel in Topeka and at one time had three open locations. She served a term as President of Downtown Topeka, Inc., which supported growth among downtown Topeka businesses. She was an avid reader and a life-long student of history. Sally loved learning about the history of Grantville and was a contributor to a book of essays recording the Shirley family contributions to local history.

 She is survived by her husband, Robert “Bob” Shirley, Grantville, three daughters, Diane Shirley, Saundra Shirley, both of Grantville, Carla (Jimmy) Henson, Bixby, OK, a sister, Gloria Weixelman, Topeka, , a grandson, Jared Shirley, Asheville, N.C., and granddaughter, Jenna Henson, Bixby, OK. She will also be missed by countless nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and friends that she leaves and who were inspired by her tireless energy and boundless goodwill.
 

A Grave Side Service will be 1:00 PM, Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Grantville Cemetery, all are welcome. A time of visitation will be at the Shirley home in Grantville following Services at the Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorials suggested to Jefferson County Friends of Hospice or to Grantville United Methodist Church in care of Barnett Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602,  Oskaloosa, KS,  66066.  barnettfamilyfh.com

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose,
  for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.”