Shirley A. Howell, 88, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024 at her home in Harrisonville surrounded by family and friends. Funeral services were held  on Friday, December 27, 2024 at the Harrisonville United Methodist Church. Interment  at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford, Iowa. Memorial contributions may be made to the Harrisonville United Methodist Church.

Shirley was born January 14, 1936 in Los Angeles, California, a daughter of Harry and Maxine (Wetmore) Johnson. Early in life, her parents moved back to Bedford, IA, where she lived her entire childhood. Before graduating from Bedford High School in 1954, Shirley enjoyed playing golf, playing the piano, tap dancing, and serving as Drum Majorette. She also was a member of the Campfire Girls and Rainbow Girls, as well as, several musical groups that led to her performing at functions around town. Shirley and her father competed together in golf tournaments and won the Father-Daughter tournament at Mt. Pleasant, IA.

Shirley was united in marriage to Carl R. Howell on July 21, 1955 in Bedford, IA, where they lived for eight years before Carl's career took them to Clarence, MO. While in Clarence, Shirley worked at McGraw-Edison Co. for 11 years, served as Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star and was President of the Federated Women's Club. Life then took them to Jefferson City, MO, in 1974, where she was a co-host at the Jefferson City Country Club. Their last move was to Harrisonville in 1979, where Shirley continued to be active in her community and worked over 23 years for Bank Midwest in Grandview, MO. She was a member of the Harrisonville United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women's Organization, Cass Regional Medical Center Auxiliary and the B.P.W., receiving the honor of B.P.W. Woman of the Year in 2003. She also served as President of the Harrisonville Lions Club. Shirley volunteered for the Cass County Council on Aging Sr. Citizen's Center and Hope Haven. She also enjoyed her Red Hatter's groups and was an avid bowler for 50 years.  Shirley loved being around people and helping others.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Carl, on March 6, 2009. She is survived by a son, John Howell, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; a daughter, Carrie Sigman-Barger, of Indianapolis, IN; two sisters: Jan Clark and Patricia Lessner, both of Omaha, NE; two grandchildren, Jason (Nicolette), of Punta Gorda, FL; and Meaghan, of Indianapolis, IN; and three great grandchildren: Connor, Chase, and Crew.