Shirley J. Washam, 91, of Peculiar, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Carnegie Village in Belton. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO. Interment in the Peculiar Cemetery, Peculiar, MO.

Born on April 10, 1935, in De Witt, MO, Shirley was the daughter of Fred William and Audrey Lorene (Garrett) Bahr. She began a new chapter in her life when she married Billy J. Washam on February 25, 1951, in Miller, MO. Together, they built a loving home in Peculiar, where Shirley worked for 16 years as the Director of Food Service for the Raymore-Peculiar School District. After retirement, they relocated to Stover, MO, staying for 10 years, before relocating to Belton, MO. Her commitment to nurturing others extended into her second career as a library clerk at the Cass County Public Library, Belton Branch, where her love for literature flourished until her retirement in 2015. She moved back to Peculiar after her second retirement from the library.

A gifted painter, Shirley expressed her creativity through beautiful oil paintings that will forever be cherished by her family and friends. She found joy and purpose in her artistic endeavors, and her vibrant artworks reflected her generous spirit. Shirley was also a devoted member of the New Hope Christian Church in Belton, MO, where she formed lasting connections with her community.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill, on June 16, 2002; her brother, Don; and her sister, Sarita. She is survived by her son; Kevin (Marcy) Washam, of Peculiar, MO; two daughters: Ronna (Stephen) Buchanan of Belton, MO; and Barbara (Dennis) Proctor of Peculiar, MO; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.