Shirley Ann (Esker) Aylward

Shirley Ann (Esker) Aylward entered into eternal life on the morning of August 8, 2020 at the Ottawa County Health Center in Minneapolis, Kansas at the age of 90.

Shirley was born to Bernard H and Dolly (Kelly) Esker on February 1, 1930 in Junction City, Kansas. At the age of 4 years old, her mother, Dolly, passed away. Shirley was then raised by her foster parents, A. Ross and Ione (Kelly) Shepard in Chapman, Kansas.

Shirley attended both grade school and high school in Chapman, Kansas. In 1951, she graduated from St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing in Salina, Kansas.

During her nursing training, she cared for a man who’s visiting son would become the love of her life, Robert M. (Bob) Aylward. On January 5, 1952 Shirley and Bob Aylward were married . Their union blessed them with four children; Thomas Michael, Katherine Marie, Robert Ross and James Patrick. Shirley and Bob raised their family on a farm near Solomon, Kansas.

Shirley’s family was her heart. She was a dedicated housewife and mother. Shirley was a talented cook with her homemade bread being legendary among her family and friends. She used her talent to help children learn these skills in the Solomon 4-H Club and was the club’s food leader for several years. She enjoyed working alongside friends and family at the Niles Community Center and the Solomon Catholic Church, making herself available to serve others when needed.

Faith was a constant source of joy and strength for Shirley. She prayed daily for her family and friends. She spent many days writing and sending cards of encouragement or celebration wishes to many people. Her kindness and love for others was genuine.

Shirley also continued working part time in the nursing career she so loved, especially at the Abilene Nursing Home. She enjoyed staying connected with her graduating class of nurses and served as President of her Nursing Alumni.

Shirley had a passion for playing cards. She loved to play with friends and family anytime someone was up for a game. The love of this hobby earned her the title “Queen of Hearts” and was the theme of her 80th birthday celebration in Solomon, Kansas.

Shirley is preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert M Aylward, her parents, Bernard H and Dolly (Kelly) Esker, her stepmother, Velma Esker and her foster parents, A. Ross and Ione (Kelly) Shepard, a brother, Bob Esker and a sister, Ellen Bordelon. She is also preceded in death by two grand-daughters, Amber Marie Luthi and Samantha Adel Aylward.

Shirley is survived by her four children and their spouses, Tom and Lou Aylward from King City, Oregon, Kathy and Jerry Luthi of Solomon, Kansas, Robert and Linda Aylward of Solomon, Kansas and Jim and Gwen Aylward from Fort Collins, Colorado. Shirley has 13 grand-children and 31 great-grandchildren surviving her. In addition, Shirley is also survived by her much loved nieces and nephews.

Shirley’s infectious laugh, her spirit of fun, her loving care for her children and grandchildren, her compassion for others and her example of steadfast faith will be tremendously missed. Her family rejoices in her entering eternity with her Blessed Savior and in her joy of reuniting with those who have gone before her.

Mass of Christian Burial for Shirley will be 10:30 AM Friday, August 14, 2020 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Solomon with Monsignor James Hake and Father John Wolesky as Con-Celebrants. A parish rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM Thursday evening at the church. Her final resting place will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery near Solomon. Friends may view and sign the register book at the funeral home Wednesday and Thursday at the funeral home and after 6:00 PM Thursday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ottawa County Health Center or to the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Fund and may be sent in care of the Carlson-Becker Funeral Home, P.O. Box 308, Solomon, Kansas 67480.