Shirley’s life began on October 27, 1935, in Herington. She is the daughter of Harry and Elsie (Brockmeier) Schlesener. Shirley is a 1953 graduate of Herington High School and attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School. She was united in marriage to Keith D. Longabaugh on June 14, 1953, at St. Paul’s Church. Along with being an active member of the church, Shirley enjoyed the church’s quilting club, sponsoring the youth group and preparing food for church events. She loved to do crafts and with her sister Sharon took their crafts to shows. She enjoyed traveling with Keith and her family. Shirley is fondly remembered as an outstanding gardener, mowing her lawn and the neighbors, too. She was a strong and determined wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
Her loving family includes her children Dr. James (Michele) Longabaugh of Sabetha, Jerry Longabaugh of Wichita, and Cheryl (Jason) Webb of Monett, MO.; grandchildren Matthew Longabaugh, Jordan Longabaugh, Jake Longabaugh, CJ (Blake Wachter) Longabaugh, AJ ( Grant Sorenson) Longabaugh, Maggie Hull, Tyler Webb, Nathan (Kelsey) Webb and Emily Webb; great grandchildren Willa and Lauretta Hull and her siblings Sharon (Larry) Senner, Glen (Darlene) Schlesener and Donna Jean ( Dale) Koontz and several nieces and nephews.
Shirley passed away on Tuesday June 8, 2021, at Herington Municipal Hospital. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 66 years Keith, daughter in law Michele Longabaugh and her sister Carolyn Stewart.
Shirley’s family will gather with friends on Saturday, June 12th from 5-7 p.m. at Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, Herington. Her funeral service will be Sunday June 13th at 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church led by Pastor Bill Neuman. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in care of the funeral home.