A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2018, at The Crossing Church, 3615 Southland Dr. Columbia, MO.
Shirley was born on September 21, 1934, and grew up in Fowler Michigan, the daughter of Earl and Reatha Winans, who preceded her in death. Shirley married the love of her life, Mark Thelen (who preceded her in death) on June 23, 1956, in Fowler Michigan.
Shirley attended Fowler High School where she met Mark. She worked at Oldsmobile in Lansing Michigan, so Mark could attend Michigan State University. After Mark graduated, Shirley stayed home to raise and care for her four children.
Shirley cherished spending time with her family and enjoyed the company of her many friends. She was an excellent cook and especially loved baking goodies for her family. She enjoyed reading and loved her pets. She was a member of Mother Singers for several years and very much enjoyed the friendships that developed over the years. Shirley attended Missouri Tiger games with Mark for many years and especially enjoyed basketball games.
Shirley is survived by her four children, Jeff Thelen (Marla), Randy Thelen (Debbie), Cheri Darrough (Tom), and Marci Pitts (Darrin). She very much loved her 12 grandchildren (Scott, Ben, Matthew, Rebecca, Daniel, Connor, Luke, Eli, Madison, Avery, Wyrn, and Sloane), and her 8 great grandchildren. Shirley is survived by her nieces Karen and Debbie. She was preceded in death by her sister Alice.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or The Mark Thelen Scholarship Fund at the University of Missouri, c/o Memorial Funeral Home – 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia MO, 65202.
