She attended Avila University. Worked for the Social Security Administration as a claim clerk. She was a member of Coventry Baptist Church. In her free time she enjoyed bowling, playing cards with her friends, working puzzles, and reading books.
She was preceded in death by her father, George Manchester; her mother, Ida Manchester; her brother George Manchester; her sisters, Ethel Smith, Helen Skeets, and Ruth Friendly; and her son, Rick Ellis.
She is survived by her children, Sherry Reid, Elizabeth Gann, Jim Ellis, and Kate Davis; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life for Shirley will be held Monday, December 4, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. Following the celebration of life will be a committal service from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Mount Moriah Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mtmoriah.net for the Ellis family.