Shirley Ann Minear

Shirley Ann Minear was born October 17, 1937, in Beloit, Kansas, to Frank and Thelma (Burns) Folsom, and died Saturday, January 3, 2009, at the Jewell County Hospital, Mankato, Kansas, at the age of 71 years, 2 months, and 16 days.

Shirley devoted most of her life to caring for the sick and injured, as a Registered Nurse. She played a vital role in the start of both the medical clinic as well as the hospital in Jewell County. She also helped teach and train a large number of people who are nurses today. Shirley was very proud of her granddaughter, Jennifer, who followed in her footsteps and became an R.N.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard; daughter, Lisa; daughter-in-law, Bonnie; and sister, Linda.

She is survived by her son, Bruce Burkhart, daughter-in-law, Patti Burkhart; step-children, Sherri, Richard, Mike and Gilbert; brothers, Robert, Arlen, and Tony; twelve grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service for Shirley Ann Minear, was held Friday, January 9, 2009, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Mankato, Kansas, with Father George Chalbhagam officiating. Servers were: Joel and Aaron Brockelmann. Organist was Karen Boden, and Sierra Koster, was the cantor. Sherri Cedeno was the lector. Casket bearers were: Robert Folsom, Tony Folsom, Arlen Folsom, Corey Minear, Michael Minear, and Jerod Johnson. Interment was in the Pleasant Prairie Cemetery, rural Randall, Kansas. The family suggests memorials to be given in care of the mortuary. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas was in charge of arrangements.