Shirley was born in Mountain Grove, MO on October 7, 1942, daughter of Robert “Frank” and Bessie (Henderson) Thomas. Shirley married the love of her life, Duane Stump of Sand Springs, OK on October 31, 2011. Shirley is remembered for, above all else, her innate sweetness and compassion that she generously shared from a true mother’s heart. All living things were precious to Shirley, but she was especially fond of abandoned and wayward animals. Shirley was a voracious reader, often finishing a book a day. She was an avid collector of owls, enjoyed crafts including crochet and glass beadwork, and was a proud mother of her sons, Larry and James, and of so many others whom she adopted by heart. She was a beloved member of the Sand Springs, OK Elks club.
Shirley was a Christian and a brave and generous believer in the power of love. She personally sponsored several young people in Ghana, providing them aid, mother’s love, and faithful guidance. Her “grandsons” there celebrate their “granny’s” passing with prayer and remembrance. She often supported other important causes and spread a love of Christ.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Duane Stump of the home; Brother Richard Connell of Independence, MO and sister-in-law Charlotte (Grisham) Connell; Sons Larry Thomas of Grain Valley, MO and daughter-in-law Mary Connolly; James Amos of Blue Springs, Mo and daughter-in-law Connie (Bowlin) Amos; Step-Children Andrea Enriquez of Oklahoma City, OK and Nick Stump of Atlanta, GA and daughter-in-law Melanie (Ringham) Stump; Granddaughter, Olivia Duncan of Grain Valley, MO; Grandsons Dylan Stump of Oklahoma City and Gabriel Ringham of Atlanta; her best friend of 65 years, Sharron Dake of Kansas City, MO; and many loving friends, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by one brother and three sisters. Her beloved sister, Frankie Sue Greer of Brea, CA preceded her in death earlier the same day.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 8th at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts in Shirley’s honor be directed to Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Rd, Kansas City, MO 64137. Shirley would not forgive us if we failed to mention Tuxedo, Marmalade, Sassy, cats of the home; Little Tux, Whitefoot, Rowdy, cats of the yard; and Hobo, dog of the home.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441