El Paso - Constance Joan Shirk, a beloved wife, mother, and community member, passed away on September 28, 2024, at Alex Adult Fostercare in El Paso, Texas. She was 86. Connie was the wife
of longtime Newton businessman Gerrel Shirk. She was preceded in death by Gerrel and her two sons Kenny Deruy and Kevin Deruy. She is survived by three sons Kurt and his wife Shelly Deruy of Joplin, MO; Cory and his wife Diana
Olivar of El Paso, TX and Brett and his wife Jenni Shirk of Austin, TX. . She is also survived by three sisters and one brother. Connie had many grandchildren Justin Deruy, DJ DeRuy, Kellen DeRuy, Jake DeRuy, Kennedy DeRuy,
Ellie Shirk, Jack Shirk, Kyle Shirk, Jillian Shirk, Maria Shirk and Remington Shirk and great grandchildren Easton Deruy, Cooper Deruy and Madison Deruy. A pillar of the Newton community, Connie was a co-owner of Gerrel's
Foreign Cars. She also worked for ManPower, and Dillons. Known for her compassionate heart for pets, she volunteered countless hours at the local Humane Society. At the age of 17 she went from being Valedictorian of her graduating
class with a scholarship to Kansas University to having her first son and getting married. She spent the rest of her life caring for her children and husband. Even when her grandchild, Justin, was in need of day care she stepped
up like she did throughout her life and raised Justin from morning until early evening as one of her kids. Even as Justin grew up she had visitation rights every other Wednesday night and she would make the 80 mile round trip
to visit her grandson. This dedication and steady hand made a profound impact on Justin. For her sons she was up before any of her children and always had a hearty breakfast of Newton staples (Biscuits and Gravy, Eggs, Sausage
and Toast) every morning the kitchen was in high gear feeding six males. She must have gone through at least a gallon of milk and a dozen eggs everyday. The family had to buy in bulk (before there were CostCos) with milk being
delivered from local farmers in 5 gallon containers. She had to have an extra fridge and deep freeze as she would buy 1/2 a hog and beef in bulk from local butchers multiple times throughout the year. Many mouths to feed and
by the time breakfast was done it would be house work until lunch and dinner. She never faltered nor complained about caring for her family. She made a profound impact on her family as she was a realist, a conservative, a
diligent worker, a voracious reader, had an immense vocabulary, always respectful and gracious and led by example of how to live with integrity. A woman of remarkable strength and resilience, Connie faced life's challenges
with grace and determination. She will be remembered for her kind spirit, unwavering love, and enduring legacy. A "Celebration of Life" will be held at the VFW in Newton on Nov. 16th from 6 pm - 8 pm. Donations In
Memory of Connie can be made to the Caring Hands Humane Society (316)283-0839: https://caringhandshs.org/donate/make-a-donation/onetime-donation/
