Shirley Dingman

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Shirley Ann Dingman, 71, of Liberal, Missouri, passed away, peacefully surrounded by her family, at her home on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Shirley was born in Texas City, Texas, to Lee and Neva Ann Pennington Meadows. She spent her first nine years in Texas before her family moved to the Joplin and Jasper, Missouri, area. Shirley lived in Jasper until moving to Liberal in 1972, just in time to meet her life-partner, Wayne, before graduating from Liberal High School in 1973.

Following high school, Shirley worked as a bookkeeper for Ihms Motor Company in Lamar and later for Seed and Farm Supply in Liberal. After starting her family, she stayed home with her young children until they began school. She then found a way to be close to them by working at the elementary school as a cook and school bus driver, a position she held for approximately 15 years.

Being a school bus driver gave Shirley the opportunity to be present for countless school trips, events, games, and practices involving her children. Although she never had much interest in sports herself, she never missed her children's games. Being there for her family was simply who Shirley was.

Shirley had a wonderful laugh and a smile that could light up a room. Her children loved making her laugh, and they treasured the times they could get her laughing over the same scenes in Home Alone or episodes of Reba, no matter how many times she had seen them.

She was known for her quick wit, funny personality, and sometimes wonderfully blunt sense of humor. Shirley was also incredibly generous and always willing to help someone in need. Her family remembers times when she quietly took care of others without ever wanting recognition or even allowing those she helped to know what she had done.

Shirley's love for animals was nearly as big as her heart. She collected dogs and cats and welcomed animals in need into her home and onto the farm. Some friends lovingly referred to her home as “Shirley Dingman’s Home for Wayward Dogs and Cats.” It was not unusual for her to have as many as 10 dogs on the farm. Every animal—and every person—who came through her door was sure to be well fed.

Her grandchildren especially remember Grandma Shirley's seemingly endless supply of candy and snacks. Once when asked what sandwich they had for lunch at her house, their answer was “Ice cream.” Those memories, along with her laughter, humor, and unconditional love, will remain treasured by her family.

Shirley was a longtime member of Hannon Free Will Baptist Church, where she worshiped for 35 years. She was currently a member of First Baptist Church in Lamar for the past 19 years, where she enjoyed serving in the nursery. She also spent several years delivering Meals on Wheels, continuing her lifelong tradition of caring for others in her community.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Wayne Dingman of Liberal, Missouri; her son, Shannon Dingman and wife Dani of Fayetteville, Arkansas; her daughters, Cherie Witt and husband Luke of Joplin, Missouri, and Kayla Miller and Matt of Olathe, Kansas; her mother, Neva Meadows of Liberal, Missouri; her brother, Gary Meadows of Liberal, Missouri; and her grandchildren, Cadence, Byron, Sarah, Brady, Sutton, and Baylor.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lee Meadows; her brother, Kevin Lynn Meadows; her mother-in-law, Lois Dingman; and her father-in-law, Gordon Dingman.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Kendra, Brooke and Craig Buzzard, Heidi Lanz, Karen Wettstein, their First Baptist Church family, Bob Smith, Tyler Case, the Hospice Compassus team, and the many other friends and members of the community who helped, prayed, brought food, and offered their love and support during this difficult time.

The family deeply appreciates all that has been done for them and will forever be grateful for the kindness shown to Shirley and her family.

Shirley will be remembered for her generous heart, infectious laugh, quick sense of humor, love of animals, and—most of all—the deep love she had for her family and her Lord Jesus Christ. She gave so much of herself to the people and animals around her, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved her.

If you would like to make a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers, the family suggests Nashville Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

The family will receive visitors at Konantz Warden Funeral Home on Tuesday September 29, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM and a funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church on Wednesday September 30, 2026, at 10:00 am.

There is a book located on the north side of the north driveway available to you if you would like to stop by after hours.

The church plans to go live with the service on Wednesday on both Facebook and YouTube.

https://www.facebook.com/firstbaptistchurchoflamar

http://www.youtube.com/@firstbaptistchurchoflamar5037