Obituary: Shirley J. Wilmoth (1937–2025)

Shirley J. Wilmoth, age 88, of Raymore, Missouri, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A woman of deep faith and lifelong intellect, Shirley dedicated five decades to the education of others and the enrichment of her community.

Early Life and Education

Shirley was born on October 2, 1937, in Russellville, Arkansas, to Junious Ray Ward and Mildred Guest Ward. She grew up in Mountain View, Arkansas, where she graduated high school as Salutatorian. Her passion for learning led her to Arkansas Tech University and eventually the University of Arkansas, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Home Economics and Secondary Education. She later achieved a master's degree in Computer Applications from Webster University.

A Career in Education

From 1958 until her retirement in 2008, Shirley was a staple in public and higher education. Her versatility as an educator was unmatched; she taught a diverse range of subjects including Chemistry, Physics, Math, Geology, Astronomy, English, and Home Economics.

She impacted countless students across Missouri and Arkansas, teaching at high schools in Winthrop, Southwest City, Eugene, Kahoka, Archie, Southwest High School (Kansas City), and Van Horn High School (Independence). She also shared her expertise as an instructor at Longview and Penn Valley Community Colleges.

Faith and Community

Baptized in 1946 at the Mountain View Church of Christ, Shirley remained a devoted servant of God and was a longtime member of the Raymore Church of Christ.

She was an active member of the Van Horn Book Club and the Raymore Optimist Club. Known for her hospitality, Shirley was a talented seamstress, artist, chef, and gardener. She and her late husband, Ray, shared a love for travel, taking their children on cross-country adventures from the Grand Canyon to Washington D.C. In her later years, she found great joy in visiting Branson, Missouri, and spending time with her cherished circle of friends and family.

Family

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Wilmoth (1978); her parents, Junious and Mildred Ward; and two brothers, William Ray Ward and James Stanley Ward.

She is survived by:

• Children : Torie Wilmoth and Mark Wilmoth.
• Grandchildren : Adam Nagle, Joseph Nagle, and Kirah Nagle.
• Great-Grandchildren : Levi Nagle and Lily Anna Nagle.
• Sister : Wanda Kay Hunt.
• Niece & Nephew : Alicia Hunt and Ryan Hunt.

Service Information
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 , at the Raymore Church of Christ (107 N. Woodson Dr., Raymore, MO 64083).

• Visitation : 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Memorial Service : 12:00 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., Raymore, Missouri.