Shirley Sprunger King was born on Nov 1, 1945 to Vernon and Lilly (Bachmann) Sprunger, missionaries in the Belgian Congo. From a boarding school in Africa and Concord High School in Indiana,
Shirley went on to Bluffton College where she learned to play and love the organ. She received her Master's Degree from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. While there, Shirley met Vernon King, the love of her life.
They were married in Covington, KY on June 13,1969 and created a loving, supportive marriage. In 1970 Vernon and Shirley moved to Atlanta where Vernon was a Voluntary Service unit leader and Shirley worked with music at the
public library and a radio station. Their son Tillman was born there. They later served as country liaisons for Mennonite Central Committee in Haiti where son Ethan was born. After a move to Newton, KS, Shirley began a 25
year career as Music Department Chair and organ instructor at Bethel College. She also served as organist at the Bethel College Mennonite Church. She was the organist-harpsichordist for the Wichita Symphony Orchestra for 26
years. Never idle, Shirley shared her talents as a recitalist, presenter of church music workshops, and an organ consultant. She was elected to the Board of the National Guild of Organists. In 1987, Shirley was awarded a Fulbright
Fellowship in Argentina. Shirley received her DMA from the University of Kansas in 1988. In 2003, Vernon and Shirley went to Carlisle, PA where Shirley began a new role as Dean of Academic Advising and organ instructor at
Dickinson College. Vernon and Shirley retired in Goshen in 2014 and the 8th Street Mennonite Church and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary welcomed a fine organist. Shirley cherished music. It was life-giving for her and
she gifted this deep love to her organ students. While Shirley demanded excellence from them, they understood her dedication and desire that they achieve. Long after they graduated, Shirley maintained contact with students,
played at their weddings, and followed their families' lives. In 2023, her students honored her with a recital, showing off the talents she gave them. Shirley's deep faith showed when she chose music for funerals.
And when Shirley played hymns, the congregation had no doubt who was at the organ. Shirley loved to cook and entertain and she did it well. She was hospitality personified. Food was how Shirley told you that she loved you.
Everyone was welcome around her table. She wanted you to enjoy food, to have deep conversations, and to laugh together. Giving the gift of food to others was her great joy. Shirley supported Vernon without reservation and
was enormously proud of her sons, her daughters-in-law, and her grandsons. Shirley had an open and inquisitive mind. She valued diversity. She enjoyed traveling. She tempered strong opinions with kindness and generosity. Her
friends were many and her friendships long lasting. Whenever her friends hear an organ recital or sit down to a good meal, Shirley will be missed. Shirley died at home on August 31, 2024. Survivors include husband, Vernon,
sons Tillman (Jennifer) and Ethan (Amy), grandsons Jackson, Andrew, Miles and Mason, and a brother Wilmer Sprunger (Kenlyn). A Visitation will be held at Eighth Street Mennonite Church on Friday, Sept 13 from 5:30 8:30 pm.
A Memorial Service will be held at Eighth Street Mennonite Church on Saturday, Sept 14 @ 11 am. Pre-service music will begin at 10:30 am. A fellowship meal will follow. Memorials may be made to Mennonite Central Committee.
Online condolences may be shared at www.yoderculpfuneralhome.com.
