Kephart, Shirley M. 1932-2024 St. Joseph, Mo.

By NewsPress Now

Shirley Mae (Sullivan) Kephart, 91, St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2024.

She was born Oct. 23, 1932, in St. Joseph, where she lived her entire life.

Mrs. Kephart was married to John Blair Kephart on Oct. 10, 1952. He preceded her in death on Oct. 30, 2011. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Roy Edward and Hazel Elizabeth (Gardner) Sullivan.

Survivors include daughters, Peggy Sue Unruh, of Peabody, Kansas, Rebecca Kephart, of St. Joseph; and son, Edward Kephart, of St. Joseph; sister, Patricia (Sullivan) Kloepper of Effingham, Kansas; six grandchildren, Ruth Ann Unruh, of Bradenton, Florida, Rebecca (Unruh) Schmidtberger, of Whitewater, Kansas, Daniel Unruh, of Burns, Kansas, Rachel Gfeller, of Peabody, Taylor Kephart, of Belton, Missouri, and Amanda Kephart, of Lacey, Washington; great-grandchildren, Michael Unruh, Adrian and Julian Williams, Annalise Jackson, Alyssa, Kaylee, and Corryn Schmidtberger, Abby and Caden Gfeller, Elliott, Austynn, Luke, Zeke, and Cole Unruh; great-great grandchildren, Charli and Camilla Unruh; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was a graduate of Central High School and attended St. Joe Junior College and the Gard Business University.

She was employed by Kresge’s Diner, Larabee Milling Co. and Penney’s Department Store.

Shirley was a member of the First Christian Church, Stamp Club, Shirley Club, Sweet Adelines, Railroad Old Timers, Gem and Mineral Rock Club. She was also an avid gardener.

Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1 p.m. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.