Shirley Joan Walling, 88, of Kearney, MO, passed away April 7, 2023. She was surrounded by cherished family and friends. Shirley was born and raised in Paragon, Indiana, until her family relocated to Liberty, Missouri. While attending Liberty High School, she met Allen McKown, married shortly after graduating, and had four children.
Mr. McKown predeceased her, as well as their eldest son, John A. McKown. She was also predeceased by her parents, John and Luella Hopwood; sisters, Huldah Oswald, Mildred Schaly, Mary Hopwood, Jean Webber, and Virginia Elder; and brothers Russell, William, and Paul Hopwood.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Jack Walling; sister, Frances Day; and her children, Cindy Brenner, Robyn Vaughn, and Rodney McKown. Shirley is survived by grandchildren, Russell and Bradley McKown, Audra Elliott, Brian and William Hancock, Clint Hedge, Monica Meyer, Aubrie Johnson, and Seth Hackathorn. Shirley is also survived by great-grandchildren, Clint Jr “CJ” Hedge, Dylan, Emily, Sasha, Anthony, Carmelina, and Lucas Hancock, Brock, Jaxton and Jaelyn Meyer, Jordyn and Malachi Johnson, Quincy and Skylar Hackathorn, Camren and Sadie Martin, Lincoln Boucher and Trey and Cash McKown.
Shirley was a bookkeeper by trade until she retired. She was 70 when she married Mr. Walling. They built, owned and operated a produce farm in Lathrop, Missouri. At age 86, she became a Professional Caregiver, proudly serving military veterans. Shirley never missed a chance to lend a helping hand. She was a prolific do-it-yourselfer. She was happiest worshiping and serving her church, visiting with friends and family, gardening, customizing furniture, home decorating, sewing, sketching, and creating other works of art.
The family invites you to her Celebration of Life Service, which will take place on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 4 p.m. Visitation will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Please join the family at Refuge Church, 1315 Nashua Road, Liberty, MO.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the charities she supported for nearly forty years: Tupelo Children’s Mansion Orphanage or New Beginnings Adoption Services, Tupelo, Mississippi.
Shirley will be dearly missed and always remembered.
Arrangements in care of Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney.
Our Sincere Condolences
I am sorry to learn that Shirley passed earlier this year. She was such a dynamo, a real ball of energy and know-how. Very generous in sharing her knowledge too! Sympathy and best wishes to Jack. Good people, these two.
Debra Claussen
