Shirley Chandler

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Shirley Chandler, passed away August 22, 2023, at the age of 89, at Communities of Wildwood in Joplin, Missouri.

Shirley was born May 29, 1934, in Great Bend, Kansas to Earl and Rosaline (Suhler) Hathaway.

Shirley married the love of her life, Albert (Pete) Chandler in Hays, Kansas on January 16, 1958. Pete and Shirley made their home in Hutchinson, Kansas from 1958 through 1977. In 1977, they relocated to Joplin, Missouri.

Survivors include: Daughter Rebecca Miller of Orfordville, Wisconsin; son Kevin Chandler and his wife Jackie of Neosho, Missouri; granddaughter Kady Bryant of Florida; 2 great-grandchildren; a sister, a brother and several nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Pete, one sister, one brother, and a stepson.

Shirley graduated from high school in Hays, Kansas in 1952. She went on to attend nursing school in Fort Scott, Kansas, graduating as an RN in 1955.

Shirley worked as an RN for 44 years before retiring from St. John’s Hospital in Joplin in 1999. Her career included time working in Raton, New Mexico; Hutchinson, Kansas; and Joplin, Missouri.

Shirley was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin.

As an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, she rarely missed a game on TV. She kept a record of the ending scores of every game, and could recite Cardinals statistics like nobody’s business! She enjoyed camping and cooking out with her family. Family vacations were happily spent traveling across the south with a pop-up camper, bicycles for the kids, and fishing gear for Mom and Dad! No one could prepare meals for four in a tiny pop-up camper like she could – Spam sandwiches included! Fireworks on the 4th of July always made her happy. She relished time outdoors – gardening, mowing, and planting her favorite red geraniums.

Shirley was an animal lover, and loved her many pets over the years – cats and dogs alike! She also loved to hunt for antiques and adding to her collection of green depression glass.

Anyone who knew Shirley knew and appreciated her unique, fiery personality and sense of humor.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the caring staff at Communities of Wildwood for their loving care of our mother.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 28, 2023, at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Osborne Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon at the mortuary.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.