Shirley May (Davis) Cheek, 92, passed away peacefully after a short battle with pneumonia on January 12, 2026, at Liberty Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Shirley was born on September 6, 1933, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, to Ralph and Fern Davis. After her parents divorced when she was two years old, she was raised by her grandparents, Mary Leota and John Cash, in Excelsior Springs.
Following her grandfather’s early passing, Shirley and her grandmother lived at the Maples Apartments, where Shirley formed many lifelong friendships. She attended school in Excelsior Springs and graduated in 1951. During her school years, Shirley held several jobs, including working as a locker girl at Lake Maurer, a dime store clerk, and a carhop at The Dairy. In 1952, Shirley married the love of her life, Roy Cheek. They made their home in Lawson, Missouri, where they raised their two daughters.
Shirley retired from Morrow Lumber, and after Roy retired from Ameren, the couple enjoyed traveling with family and friends in their camper. Bennett Spring was always a favorite destination. Shirley was a devoted member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority for nearly all of her married life, where she made many cherished friendships. She was also a faithful member of the United Christian and Presbyterian Church, which she and Roy attended from the time they were married until Roy’s passing in 2022. After his death, Shirley moved to Oak Pointe Care Facility in Kearney, where she resided until her passing. Nothing meant more to Shirley than her family, whom she loved deeply and unconditionally.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, Roy Cheek; her son-in-law, Mike O’Dell; her father, Ralph Davis; her mother, Fern Robinett; and her half-sister, Mary Jo Davidson.
Shirley is survived by her daughters, Barbara Lanning and husband Larry, and Sherry O’Dell; grandchildren, Erin Murphy (Scott), Chris Lanning (Sheryl Appleby), Lani O’Dell, and Micaela Murdock (Quinn); and great-grandchildren, Conner and Chase Murphy, Carter Lanning, and Vivian Murdock.
Services will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home Lawson Chapel in Lawson, Missouri. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. at Lawson Cemetery.
