Shirley Ann Pankratz
1932 - 2020
WICHITA - Pankratz, Shirley Ann Passed
away on Saturday, June 19, 2020 in Hospice Care at Larksfield Place
Healthcare Center in Wichita, KS at the age of 87. She was born on
October 8, 1932 at Bethel Deaconess Hospital in Newton, KS to Bertha
(Ivy) and Frank O.W. Smith. In 1950, she graduated from Newton High
School, where she met her future husband, Melvin Pankratz. Melvin
served in the U.S. Navy while Shirley attended Ottawa University in
Ottawa, KS, majoring in Home Economics. After her graduation from
Ottawa and his discharge from the Navy, they married on June 6, 1954
at the First Baptist Church in Newton, KS. Shirley and Mel spent some
time living in Lawrence while he attended the University of Kansas,
and she worked for the phone company. They later moved back to
Newton, then to Parsons, KS, and finally settled in Valley Center,
KS, where they raised their family. Mel eventually ran his own
leasing company, and Shirley worked for USD 262 in food service.
Their retirement years afforded them many travels throughout the
United States, often visiting long time friends. Shirley also enjoyed
collecting treasures and selling them at her booths at several
antique malls. After Mel passed in 2013, she remained in her home for
several years until moving to Larksfield Place Assisted Living. She
was always up for visits from friends and family, especially her
precious great-grandchildren.
Shirley was preceded in death by her
parents; her sister, Patricia Smith; and her husband, Melvin
Pankratz. She is survived by her three children, Debbie (Randy)
Jackson, Cathy Payne (Dana Britton), and Galen (Lisa) Pankratz; as
well as four grandchildren, Justin (Jenn) Jackson, Chris (Kristin)
Jackson, Erin (Jason) Ritchey, Shawn (Lauren) Pankratz; and 11
great-grandchildren.
Services are not planned at this time,
but a memorial has been established in Shirley's name with the First
Presbyterian Church, 525 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214, where she
was an active member. Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Share
tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com
