Shirley Joy Powers

Shirley Joy Powers, 84, of Thayer, KS, passed away Friday, March 6, 2015 surrounded by her family at Neodesha, KS. She was born on April 13, 1930 in Santa Ana, Orange County, CA the daughter of Joel E. VanMeter and Irma J. (Woodell) VanMeter. When she was two years old her family moved to a farm north of Thayer. She attended Post School through eighth grade then attended Thayer High School and graduated in 1948. She attended the Chanute Junior College and received a teaching certificate. She taught school at Ward School, west of Earlton. Shirley married Floyd A. Powers on June 12, 1949 at the Methodist Church in Thayer. She was a current member of the Thayer Christian Church. Through the years she served as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Sponsor, Sunday School Superintendant, and was involved in the music of the church. She helped with the Meadowlark 4-H Club for several years teaching sewing. She was an excellent seamstress and did sewing for numerous friends and neighbors, including many wedding dresses. Shirley loved flower arranging and also loved growing a variety plants and flowers. She was a homemaker for many years. In her later years, she worked at J. C. Penney, the Kay’s Hallmark Store, and Sears, and then was the Assistant County Clerk of Neosho County, until she retired in 1995. Shirley enjoyed spending time with family and visiting with friends. Shirley is survived by four sons: David and his wife, Barbara, of Thayer, KS; Kent and his wife, Karen, of Parsons, KS; Garold of Thayer, KS; Rick and his wife, Kim, of Thayer, KS; two daughters: Diane Ohmart and her husband, Terry, of Carthage, MO; Lesa Stafford and her husband, Greg, of Luther, OK. She also is survived by 17 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers: Dale VanMeter of Thayer, KS; Wayne VanMeter, of Parkville, MO; three sisters: Marjorie Stringer of Fort Scott, KS; Marian Carson, of Chandler, AZ and Phyllis Johnson of Bartlesville, OK. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd, her parents, and two great-grandsons. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, at the Thayer Christian Church, with Minister Vance Russell officiating. Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 10, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Thayer Christian Church. Memorials in her name may be made to Hidden Haven Christian Camp and Thayer Christian Church.

Shirley Joy Powers

April 13, 1930 - March 6, 2015