SHIRLEY E. SLINKARD

Shirley E, Slinkard, age 92, of Belton, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday January 8, 2025.

A memorial service will be held at 11am. On Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Cullen Funeral Home, 612 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, Missouri 64083. Shirley's remains will be laid to rest next to her late husband, John, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona (Phoenix) on a later date.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Alta Merick; husband, John Slinkard; son, Tom Slinkard and two son in-laws, John Bushart and Ron Joos.

She is survived by four children, Christy Joos Bloomfield, IA, John Slinkard (Melissa) Belton, MO, Jean Bushart Portland, OR, Sharon Kiani (Farrokh) Peoria, AZ, and daughter in-law Sue Slinkard Branson, MO; 14 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

Shirley was born in St. Louis, MO on November 26, 1932, to Benjamin and Alta Merick. Shirley graduated from Soldan High School in St. Louis, MO. She then continued her education at Florissant Valley Community College, St. Louis, MO.

Shirley and her husband John of 56 years were parents to Christy, John, Jean, Sharon, and Tom. Many happy memories rest in our mind from over the years with Mom. Especially, summers at the lake house in the Lake of the Ozarks.

Shirley's career was raising her children, caring for her mother in-law, and eventually working for Schnucks food stores where she was payroll manager making sure several thousands of people received paychecks weekly.

In 1987, she retired from Schnucks as she and John left St. Louis and moved to the Phoenix area for a better climate for his arthritis, and where he finished his career with Boeing.

As all her family knows, her passion became toll painting. At every birthday or Christmas, the boxes would come with a special design created by her for all family members. So even though there were many miles between some of us, her care for her family still graced our homes.

Even after John's passing in 2008, she stayed in the sunny southwest, which she dearly loved, until summer of 2020 when she returned to Kansas City, MO.

In late November of 2022, many of her family gathered to celebrate her 90th birthday which was a highlight for all.

She maintained her own home until February of 2024 when she moved to Carnegie Care Center in Belton, MO. A special thanks to all staff at Carnegie and the Hospice team who cared for her at this time.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, MO 816.322.5278