(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)
Jeannine M. Shirk-Landreth, 80, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away at her home with her family by her side on July 1, 2026.
Born on August 27, 1945, to Gene and Joy Shirk, Jeannine grew up in Carterville, Missouri, and graduated from Carterville High School in 1963. She worked for Sears Roebuck in the credit department until its closing and then retired from Dyne Nobel as an administrative assistant. Jeannine was married to Guy Landreth, her high school sweetheart, for 20 years. This is where I come in…
My mom was independent, beautiful, wise, and organized – Legal pads, bullet points, and calendars were her vice. Anything her family needed to know, she was their go-to. She had all the intel on all pertinent family information. My mom loved family time, holiday gatherings, piano music, the color blue, and she didn’t discriminate against any flavor of ice cream. As a child and young adult, she spent countless hours on the banks of Big Sugar Creek with her family. As a young lady, she loved to square dance. Belonging to numerous square dance clubs, she moved with grace around the floor.
In recent years, you could find her sketching out plans and diagrams of flower beds and shrub-lined pathways. She worked tirelessly on building her backyard “secret garden.” Her flower beds, walkways, bird stations, and solar bubbles were her solace. She loved to sit in her porch swing and take in all the beauty as springtime unfolded in her yard. The kaleidoscope of colors, fragrances and blooms swaying in the breeze as she indulged herself in the warm sunshine was very much her happy place. Her squirrels and birds were well fed.
Mom’s sugar cookies were the ultimate best. A family recipe developed by her mom, utilized by every baker in our family, but my mom had perfected them. Every batch, every time. They were my favorite. Mom’s sugar cookies over a birthday cake every single time. Jeannine’s sugar cookies could heal everything from a broken heart to winter’s cold.
She was profoundly proud of her grandkids, their lives, and their academic and family accomplishments. She hung onto every word they shared, worried about them when needed, and prayed for them continually. They blessed her life in measures they may never know.
Garrett, Ashleigh, and Meagan say their grandma’s home always smelled of fresh coffee, which was a welcome treat as she always kept her house at a crisp 66 degrees – Their late Papa Pryor taught them to find a “wrap” (blanket) to fair. The table beside her chair always had her Bible, Milk Duds, and bubblegum sitting on it. The kids could always count on a few special “grandma’s house treats” – a miniature dill pickle, popsicle, and leftover green olive pizza. She also seemed to always have a single Coors, which she considered to be the gold standard of adult beverages. She liked to offer those to her son-in-law while he was working on one of her many house projects.
Her great grands knew a short walk across our backyard over to their Grandma Jeannie’s meant a popsicle, special Hostess treat, or both if mom had her way, along with time spent in Grandma’s swing. One of her greats, Murphy, particularly loved looking for Mom’s resident box turtle. My mom was the epitome of a lady; Grace, manners, etiquette, and elegance. Her blue eyes, bright smile, and painted nails were always on point. Her memory, traditions, and life lessons will live on in the generations to follow.
Mom was very loved and will be even more missed. She is survived by her daughters, Shelly Terry (Vaughn), Joplin, MO, and Kelli Pryor (James), Kittery, ME; Grandchildren, Garrett Terry (Chris), Joplin, MO; Ashleigh Baxter (Jeff), Bella Vista, AR; and Meagan Spangler (Caleb), Carl Junction, MO; Greatgrands, Piper and Bear Baxter; Murphy and Sully-Wren Spangler; Sisters Dianne Hunley, Joplin, MO and Phyllis Hombs (Jim), Joplin, MO; Sister-in-law, Madeline Shirk, Joplin, MO; Her childhood best friend, Jennifer Gaddis, Carthage, MO, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gene and Joy Shirk; her brother, Mike Shirk; her ex-husband, Guy Landreth; and longtime companion, Jerry Pryor.
To honor mom’s wishes, there will be no formal services. We will host an intimate family gathering around her birthday to celebrate her memory. As you all know, she loved animals, with a particular soft spot for dogs. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Joplin Humane Society in honor of Jeannine Landreth. Mom also loved a greeting card and never missed an occasion to send someone some happy “snail mail.” If you have fond memories of Jeannine and would like to send a card to the family, we would love to reflect on those. They can be sent to her family at 27217 Fleece Lane, Joplin, MO 64801.
Last, we would like to thank the nurses and staff of Gentiva Hospice for all their care and support during this time. Until we meet again, Mom…I’ll keep working on my sugar cookie skills.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO
