Shirley Mae Harkness' Obituary
Reverend Shirley Mae Harkness, age 75, of Fredonia, Kansas passed away Wednesday evening February 20, 2008 at the Kansas Medical Center in Andover, Kansas from complications resulting from both a heart attack and stroke. She was born on January 29, 1933 in Wichita, Kansas the daughter of Fred and Violet (Shue) Atherton.
On January 19, 1954 Shirley was united in marriage to Jim Harkness at the First Christian Church in Fredonia. Throughout her life, Shirley was an innovator and a change agent, who worked to better the lives of others through education, health services, and Christian ministries. For over 35 years she taught nursing in both San Diego, California and Independence Community College, Independence, Kansas. As a volunteer she directed the Pre-GED Program for Inmates at the Wilson County Correctional Center, served as board chair for Wilson County Hospital, and was a member for many years of the Fredonia Ministerial Association. One of Shirley and Jim’s most prized accomplishments was to receive the Swalwell Award for parents of the year from the Kansas Learning Disabled Association last November.
Shirley is survived by her husband Jim Harkness of the home, her daughter Eva Beth Harkness, her sister Sharon Atherton-Buitre, and her brother Sam Atherton. She joins in Heaven her son Dion Harkness. The family ask that instead of flowers, donations be made to the Coffeyville Safe House, P.O. Box 792, Coffeyville, Kansas 67337 or the Fredonia Ministerial Association.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at the First Christian Church in Fredonia with the Fredonia Ministerial Association officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday from Noon to 8 PM at Countryside Funeral Home, Fredonia, Kansas. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.countrysidefh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, P.O. Box 247, 420 S. 20th St., Fredonia, Kansas. 620-378-2882
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