Shirley Ann Klingensmith

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Leland Klingensmith, 90, on November 3, 2018 and her daughter, Kathy Jo Klingensmith Small, 59, on January 1, 2021.

Shirley is survived by five children, seventeen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Son Alan Lee Klingensmith (spouse Janice), grandchildren, Spencer James Klingensmith (spouse Ashley and great grandchild Raelynn Diane), Chad Alan Klingensmith and Ryan Thomas Klingensmith (spouse Christina). Son Kit Albert Klingensmith (spouse Jodie), grandchildren Colton Lee Klingensmith and Cory Leland Klingensmith (spouse Andrea). Son Jeffrey Lynd Klingensmith (spouse Christal), grandchildren Amelia Lynd Perry (spouse Justin and great grandchildren Noah Thomas and Cora Grace), Jeffrey Tucker Klingensmith (spouse Kelly), Stephanie Beryl Yeargin (spouse Westin and great grandchild Kennedy Grace) and Thomas Leland Klingensmith II. Son Dan Wayne Klingensmith (spouse Debby), grandchildren Tracy Nicole Cameron (spouse Jeremy and great grandchildren Lillian Alice, Lana Faith, Emma Rose and Lucas Scott), Chase Cody Klingensmith and Cortney Michele Rice (spouse Jacob and great grandchild Cali Rose). Son Thomas Scott Klingensmith (spouse Carrie) and grandchildren Jacob Alexander Klingensmith, Jenna Rae Klingensmith and Jordan Leigh Klingensmith.

Deceased daughter Kathy Jo Klingensmith Small (spouse Perry) and grandchildren Tyler Wayne Small (spouse Aubrey) and Charlene Lauren Manchester (spouse Frank and great grandchild Evelyn Ann).

Mom and Dad were married on May 1, 1948 in New Castle, PA. They moved the family to Florida in November 1960.

Mom was a full time homemaker and cared for six kids for almost three decades until they were ready to fly.

Mom met Dad in the church and had a lifelong love of God, bringing up her children in the Baptist church and fretting over them when they left the nest. Which was not permanent for some of us, as we periodically came home to lick our wounds or reestablish our future.

Mom cared for many of her grandkids, some as babies and many after school, so that their mothers could work. She also welcomed her children’s friends and some stayed with the family until they were back on their feet. Later in her life, she enjoyed the blessing of being a great grandmother ten times.

As the matriarch of the Klingensmith famiy, mom loved the holidays and made the most scrumptious pie -- apple, cherry, pumpkin and pecan, and made delicious nut breads. However, she had trouble sitting down at the holiday table. It seemed there was always something to serve or someone to assist. We almost had to tie her down!

Mom liked shopping and sometimes she would stay in the store until they turned off the lights while Dad and the kids were waiting in the car.

Mom had a great sense of humor. If we were playing a game, she would feign confusion and then, after a laugh, outsmart the other players.

Without Mom’s love and support, we can honestly say we would not be successful in life. She was a wonderful mother and a kind example for her kids. Thanks, Mom!

Shirley Ann Klingensmith's funeral service is at 1 pm this Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Coral Ridge Funeral Home. It is located off Pine Island Road at 950 Chiquita Blvd. S, in Cape Coral, FL. Family gathering is at 12:15. We will welcome all friends at 12:30. All guests are invited to a light lunch reception following the service at the facility.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Shirley Klingensmith’s name to Hope Hospice.

A check would go to Hope Hospice, Attn: Donations, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908

If you prefer a website, use www.morehope.org and click on the donation button.