1935
Shirley
2017
Shirley McGrath
August 11, 1935 — October 21, 2017
Shirley Marie McGrath, 82, of Overland Park, KS, passed away on October 21, 2017, peacefully at her home of 42 years. Shirley was born on August 11th, 1935, in Waverly, KS. The daughter of a Sante Fe railroad worker, some of Shirley’s fondest childhood memories were the years her family lived in a rail car during the Great Depression. The family eventually settled in Bonner Springs, KS, where Shirley was valedictorian of her graduating class at Bonner Springs High School. Shirley remained close friends with everyone in her graduating class and was instrumental in organizing annual class reunions and alumni trips for over 50 years.
Upon graduation, Shirley worked as a clerk for Hallmark Cards where she met the love of her life, and married Paul F. McGrath. Together they raised 5 children. Shirley became a Sales Rep for Avon, where she was known for giving away more products than she sold and developed many lifelong friendships. Shirley was very active in her children’s activities including acting as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout Den leader. She also held elected office as a Precinct Committee Woman. Shirley was most proud of her involvement with her Church family at Hillcrest Covenant Church. Shirley was particularly passionate about supporting Missionaries throughout the world.
Shirley loved to read and became known in the family for letters she would write and cards she would send to family and friends throughout the years. She had a love of American History, particularly the Presidents and was an expert on British Royal History. She was also an avid sports fan, and loved the Royals, Chiefs, and the L.A. Dodgers, whom she followed since their days in Brooklyn. The only thing she loved more than the Dodgers was her favorite actor, Robert Redford! Shirley was very generous, and helped all friends and family in times of need. Her generosity and sense of humor will be sorely missed by many.
Shirley was preceded in death by husband, Paul F. McGrath, and sons, Gregory McGrath and Stephen Todd McGrath, mother, Caroline Knight, father, Wayne Knight, and brother Darrel Knight.
Shirley is survived by her daughter, caretaker, and best friend, Erin Shepherd. She is also survived by her sons, Paul A. McGrath (Debbye) and Matt McGrath (Antonio Bollat); brothers Phillip Knight (Ollie) and Jerome “Cocoa” Knight; grandchildren, Paul Adam McGrath (Amanda), Wayne McGrath (Mary Ellen), Jacob Shepherd (Gabi), Jeremy Shepherd (Suzy), Michelle McClain (John); and many great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at Hillcrest Covenant Church from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, followed by services at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, October 28th, 8801 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, KS 66207 (Fellowship Hall back North Doors). A graveside service will be held immediately following at Johnson County Memorial Gardens,11200 Metcalf Ave., O.P. KS 66210.
Shirley wanted any contributions to be made to the Covenant Missions at Hillcrest Church.
Upon graduation, Shirley worked as a clerk for Hallmark Cards where she met the love of her life, and married Paul F. McGrath. Together they raised 5 children. Shirley became a Sales Rep for Avon, where she was known for giving away more products than she sold and developed many lifelong friendships. Shirley was very active in her children’s activities including acting as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout Den leader. She also held elected office as a Precinct Committee Woman. Shirley was most proud of her involvement with her Church family at Hillcrest Covenant Church. Shirley was particularly passionate about supporting Missionaries throughout the world.
Shirley loved to read and became known in the family for letters she would write and cards she would send to family and friends throughout the years. She had a love of American History, particularly the Presidents and was an expert on British Royal History. She was also an avid sports fan, and loved the Royals, Chiefs, and the L.A. Dodgers, whom she followed since their days in Brooklyn. The only thing she loved more than the Dodgers was her favorite actor, Robert Redford! Shirley was very generous, and helped all friends and family in times of need. Her generosity and sense of humor will be sorely missed by many.
Shirley was preceded in death by husband, Paul F. McGrath, and sons, Gregory McGrath and Stephen Todd McGrath, mother, Caroline Knight, father, Wayne Knight, and brother Darrel Knight.
Shirley is survived by her daughter, caretaker, and best friend, Erin Shepherd. She is also survived by her sons, Paul A. McGrath (Debbye) and Matt McGrath (Antonio Bollat); brothers Phillip Knight (Ollie) and Jerome “Cocoa” Knight; grandchildren, Paul Adam McGrath (Amanda), Wayne McGrath (Mary Ellen), Jacob Shepherd (Gabi), Jeremy Shepherd (Suzy), Michelle McClain (John); and many great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at Hillcrest Covenant Church from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, followed by services at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, October 28th, 8801 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, KS 66207 (Fellowship Hall back North Doors). A graveside service will be held immediately following at Johnson County Memorial Gardens,11200 Metcalf Ave., O.P. KS 66210.
Shirley wanted any contributions to be made to the Covenant Missions at Hillcrest Church.
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