DONNA SHIRLEY

Dodge City - Donna Lee Shirley, 85, died July 24, 2012 at her home in Dodge City. She was born on June 26, 1927 in Norton, the daughter of Sylvester and Opal (Jordan) Jacobs.

Donna's early childhood was spent in Norton. In the thirties, she moved to California with her family where she graduated from high school. On June 23, 1948, she married Thomas P. Shirley in Norton. He preceded her in death on February 20, 2011. They lived for a brief time in Kansas City and Arkansas City before finally calling Dodge City home. Donna was very involved with Tom in his business practices. She also shared the love of flying with Tom and held her private and commercial pilot licenses. She participated in many powder puff derby ladies-only air races. She then became an avid golfer. Donna was very involved in many community projects in Dodge City. She was instrumental in beginning the Youthville Farm and Ranch program and was very excited about the new canine program that was being started at Youthville. Donna was a founding member of the Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas. Her family and grandchildren were her greatest passion.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Dodge City Country Club, Hypatia Club, and Red Hat Club all of Dodge City. Mrs. Shirley was also on the Board of Directors for Dodge City Roundup for several years.

Donna is survived by one son, Brian Shirley and wife Suzanne of Dodge City; three grandchildren, Samantha, Levi, and Rebekah all of Dodge City; two sisters, Diane Kent of Manhattan and Deanna Georgeson of Norton; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Stephen Craig Shirley; and one brother, Robert Jacobs

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Home in Dodge City on Friday, July 27, 2012 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Lance Carrithers presiding. Entombment will follow at Scroggins Memorial Mausoleum in Dodge City. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home on Thursday, July 26, 2012 from noon to 8:00 PM. The casket will remained closed. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Prairie, Ford County Humane Society, or First United Methodist Church of Dodge City in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.