TOPEKA \u2014 Shirley L. Homewood, 88, Osage City, passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at Aldersgate Village, Topeka, after a battle with Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Shirley was born Nov. 28, 1932, in Newton, the daughter of Frank and Lorene Cunningham Kirk.<\/p>\n
She graduated from Emporia High School\u00a0with the class of 1950. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Emporia State Teachers College and later earned her Master of Librarianship degree from Emporia State University. She was a fabulous elementary librarian in the Osage City Elementary School, where she was well known for her storytelling abilities.<\/p>\n
Shirley married the love of her life, Richard Homewood, Dec. 28, 1952, in Emporia. They\u00a0adopted two children, Mary Lee and John. They had a wonderful marriage until Richard\u2019s death, April 4, 1988.<\/p>\n
Shirley was very active in the Osage City community, including the\u00a0First United Methodist Church. She was known for her writing skills and was a prolific reader. She was also an excellent cook and homemaker.<\/p>\n
She was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Matt Lowry. Shirley will live on in the hearts and memories of her children, Mary Lee Homewood and\u00a0John Homewood; sisters, Jeannine Kirk, Topeka, and Mary Lou Sharkey (Pat), Overland Park; a grandson, Josh Lowry; several nieces and nephews; and a host of dear friends.<\/p>\n
Memorial services were 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 24 at the First United Methodist Church, Osage City. Inurnment will be at a later date in Osage City Cemetery.<\/p>\n