Shirley Ann Lewis

Shirley Ann Lewis age 87 of Paola, KS passed away Sunday October 29, 2023 at Olathe Medical Center in Olathe, KS.

Shirley was born April 30, 1936 in Wichita, KS. She was the eldest of five children born to Harold Arthur and Rose Irene (Hulford) Secrest. She and her four siblings were raised by their mother and step father Robert Lee Coppenbarger. She then had six other siblings.

Shirley married Charles Wayne Lang in Olathe, KS. They were married until 1972, when Charles passed. She then married Jim Smith in 1974. They later divorced in 1978. On October 10, 1981, Shirley married Gary William Lewis in Miami, OK.

Most of her life, Shirley was a homemaker. She did have a few odds and end jobs over the years. Shirley worked at Country Haven, now known as North Point, in the laundry department. She also volunteered there doing activities with the residents.

In her spare time, Shirley loved sewing. She made everything from pot holders to wedding dresses over the years. Shirley enjoyed cooking and baking. Her family requested her pies on special occasions.  Shirley and Gary would travel to New York or Palm Springs, every other year to visit family. Shirley was loving, caring and spunky. She loved spending time with family at the lake and during holiday’s. Family was number one in Shirley’s life. Her favorite thing was getting together and having all of her family together. Shirley would move mountains for her children and grandchildren, always with love. She helped them with whatever she could over the years.

Shirley was active in the Fontana Christian Church and the Red Hat Society.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gary Lewis, daughter Katherine Stark, her parents, siblings; Bobby Secrest, Bill Secrest, Donald Coppenbarger, Betty Compton, and Roberta Hage.

Survivors include her children Michael Secrest of Kansas City, KS and Cindy Grizzle of Paola, KS. Siblings; Carol Brown of Gridley, KS, Ray Lee Coppenbarger of Wichita, KS, Richard Coppenbarger of Branson, MO, Nanaette Louise Willoughby of Independence, MO and Charlotte Leach of Paola, KS. Fourteen grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.