Shirley O’Brien

Shirley O’Brien, 76, of Edgerton, Kansas passed away on October 14, 2026, at home. A funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20 at Royer Funeral home in Grain Valley, Missouri; burial in Valley Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time.

Shirley was born on April 19, 1950, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Maurice and Bessie (Thompson) Smith. She grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, with her three siblings, Jackie, Helen, and Jerry. She graduated from Rosedale High School and went on to build a life centered around family, love, and the simple joys that brought her happiness.

Shirley was married to her beloved husband, Dennis O’Brien, for 43 years. Together, they enjoyed playing bingo and taking trips to the casinos, creating many cherished memories along the way. After Dennis passed away, Shirley moved to Gardner, Kansas, to be closer to her daughter Traci and son-in-law, Jeff. Following a stroke that left her with permanent impairments, she moved in with them, where they lovingly cared for her and assisted with her daily needs.

Shirley enjoyed spending her time watching her favorite television shows, including In the Heat of the Night and programs on the Food Network Channel, especially those featuring Bobby Flay. For Shirley, Sundays were her favorite time to dress up in her Kansas City Chiefs attire and cheering on her team while watching football. If the game was on long enough, she might even sneak in a little nap.

One of Shirley’s greatest joys was staying connected with those she loved. She especially enjoyed spending hours on the phone talking with her sister, Helen, her brother, Jerry and nephew Buddy Boy. She also looked forward to the special meals prepared by her son-in-law, Jeff, and never minded having leftovers of her favorites, including peppers and brats, spaghetti, and hot dogs fresh off the grill.

Shirley loved being pampered by her daughter, whether it was having her hair done or her nails painted. Looking her best was important to her, and she always made sure she was wearing her favorite perfume. She took great pride in smelling nice and loved receiving compliments from family, friends, and caregivers about how wonderful she smelled. She also loved it when her grandkids and great grandkids would pop in for a visit.

Shirley will be remembered for her resilience, her love of family, and the joy she found in life’s simple pleasures. Her warmth, sense of humor, and appreciation for the little things in life left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. Her presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Jeff and I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Visiting Nurses Hospice for the remarkable care, compassion, and love they gave my mother. To Sherrie, Alyson, Janelle, Becca, Ester, Angie, Lori, Jordan, Shelby and many others, thank you for treating her with such dignity, comfort, and kindness. Your support meant more than words can express, and we will carry our gratitude with us always.

Shirley was preceded by her husband, Dennis O’Brien; parents, Maurice & Bessie Smith; and her sister, Jackie Alsbury.

She is survived by her daughter, Traci McHenry (Jeff) of Edgerton, Kansas; four grandsons, Richard Carmack Jr and girlfriend Britney DeMoss of Lone Jack, Missouri, Jesse Ricketts (Allyse) of Edgerton, Kansas, Patrick Carmack (Jessica) of Edgerton, Kansas, and Brandon Carmack (Tiffany) of Kansas City, Misouri; 13 great grandchildren; her sister, Helen Bottorff of Odessa, Missouri; brother, Jerry Smith (Vickie) of Warsaw, Missouri; and 2 nieces and 5 nephews.

Obituary submitted by the family

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, Missouri