Pooch Bauer

 (From White Funeral Home)

Shirley “Pooch” Ann Bauer (Rourke), age 89, of Monett, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 12, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on February 21, 1936, to Charles and Pearl Rourke, Shirley was known to almost everyone simply as “Pooch.” On December 23, 1961, she married the love of her life, Dan Bauer, in Moberly, Missouri, beginning a partnership that would last 55 wonderful years.

Pooch was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on November 25, 1961, and faithfully attended the Monett Congregation. Her faith was central to her life, and she found great joy in helping others learn about God’s Kingdom through the Bible.

Pooch had a gift for making people feel loved. Her smile was contagious, her hugs unforgettable. She had a way of turning non-huggers into huggers and non-smilers into smilers, often without saying a word. She gave freely of herself, offering warmth, kindness, and genuine care to everyone she met.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dan Bauer.

Pooch is survived by her brother-in-law, Bill Gamel, and her niece, Carissa Gamel her nephews Shad, Jeffery and Timothy Gamel. Though she had no children of her own, she loved many as sons and daughters. She was deeply loved by so many and felt truly blessed by the family and friends who filled her life

Arrangements are under the direction of White Funeral Home and Crematory.