Shirley Boatright

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Shirley Boatright, 89, passed away on December 26, 2024, in Neosho, following a lengthy illness.

She was born Shirley June Henson on July 15, 1935, at Brush Creek outside of Pineville, Missouri to Frank and Myrtle (Carter) Henson. A near lifelong resident of Newton and McDonald County, Shirley moved to Los Angeles for work and adventure after graduating from White Rock High School in 1953. She spoke fondly of her time working at Douglas Aircraft in Santa Monica before embracing married life with Fred Boatright, another White Rock High graduate, who moved to Los Angeles not long after Shirley.

Shirley and Fred Boatright married on November 4, 1954. The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in the winter before Fred’s death in January 2015.

She is survived by the couple’s children, Lea Ann Findley (Kent), and Bruce Boatright (Karla), all of Neosho, and daughter Lori Boatright of Los Angeles. The surviving grandchildren are Jennifer Funke (Matt) of Poplar Bluff, Colin Findley of Neosho, Katlynn Bishop (Joey) of Seneca, and Carter Boatright (Jenna) of Neosho. Surviving great-grandchildren are Jack, Claire, and Jude Funke of Poplar Bluff; Georgia, Jett, and Glory Bishop of Seneca; and Booker and Clancy Boatright of Neosho. Many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends mourn her loss.

Her surviving siblings are Troy Henson, Pineville, and Glen Henson, Neosho. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents. The last of five sisters to pass, Shirley rejoins her beloved four sisters and three brothers: Fern Davidson-Acosta, Ruby Brockman, Doris Stephens, and Carol Corcoran- Sammann; James (Bub), Martin, and Clayton Henson.

Shirley was a long-standing member of First Christian Church of Neosho, and a proud member of the Neosho community at large. Devoted to her family, she was known by many as an unheralded source of strength on which many relied. Shirley was a spirited volunteer in all she did, whether making pies for Church fundraisers, staffing voting places or blood drives, or avidly supporting local sports teams and community events. The loyal partner to Fred, she was an integral part of the company he founded --FABCO, Inc., in Neosho, in 1974 – and was by his side until retirement in 2002.

The family wishes to thank the many wonderful caregivers at Oak Pointe who provided a much-appreciated service in difficult times.







A viewing will be held January 2, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Clark Funeral Home in Neosho. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on January 3, 2025, at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in Neosho. Dr. Todd Decker will officiate, assisted by Rev. Richmond Adams.

Interment will be held following the service at Belfast Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bruce Boatright, Kent Findley, Carter Boatright, Colin Findley, Joey Bishop, Matt Funke, Regan Stephens, and Jason Stephens.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Oak Pointe Assisted Living in Neosho.