The Richmond News, Aug. 4, 2023

Nov. 18, 1942-July 29, 2023

Shirley Nolker

Shirley Lee Nolker passed away on July 29, 2023, at Liberty Hospital after suffering a stroke. Services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 5, at Old Union Church in Lawson, with visitation 10 a.m. noon, followed by the funeral at noon and then burial in Old Union Cemetery.

Shirley was born Nov. 18, 1942, in Vibbard to the late Garnett L. and Polly L. (Wright) Clevenger. She attended Excelsior Springs High School, graduating in May 1960. Four days after graduating high school, she started working at Lawson Bank, where she worked for 27 years.

After leaving Lawson Bank, Shirley worked at the bank on Missouri Highway 10, now the site of a funeral home. She also worked at Excelsior Springs Hospital before joining the team at Liberty Hospital, where she worked in the business office. She retired from Liberty Hospital in 2006.

On Nov. 3, 2007, after dating for nearly 31 years, Shirley finally married the love of her life, Charles “Gene” Nolker, to whom she was married for 10 years before he passed away on Sept. 10, 2017.

Shirley was active in the Lawson community and worked at Lawson City Hall 2008-2018 before joining the team at Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Lawson. She belonged to the Old Union Church and served on the Old Union Cemetery for more than 18 years.

Shirley joined the Eastern Star in June 1963 in Lawson and remained a member to the day at the Jewel Chapter No. 492 of the Eastern Star in Liberty. She served in many capacities, such as worthy matron and secretary. She served as district deputy grand matron in 1974.

Shirley participated in the Lawson Business and Professionals Women’s Club until the late 1970s. She loved to travel, visiting places such as Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Mexico. Her favorite place to visit, however, was Idaho.

Shirley is survived by three stepchildren, Delbert (Brenda) Nolker of Lawson, Kathy Nolker of St. Charles and Susie (Tudor) Stinson-Melville of Chandler, Ariz.; three grandchildren, Chris (Ashley) Nolker of Liberty, Andy Nolker of Blue Springs and Jessica Nolker of Omaha, Neb.; and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Nicki Sorrels.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove; and Hidden Valley Funeral Home, Lawson.