Shirley Ann Kays, 80, of Marshall, MO, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, March 16, 2024, surrounded by family.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Marshall, with William W. Harlow officiating. There will be no visitation. Inurnment will be in Ridge Park Cemetery in Marshall. Memorials are suggested to the Saline Animal League. Friends may sign the online register book at www.campbell-lewis.com.

Born December 29, 1943, in Marshall, MO, she was the daughter of Dewey H. Palmer and Lena Margaret Green Palmer. On September 16, 1988, she married James D. Kays who preceded her in death on September 29, 2014. She attended Marshall Public Schools and was a long-time member of Bethany Baptist Church. She was a recreational therapist at Marshall Rehabilitation Center and Westport Estates Assisted Living until retiring. Shirley loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  She loved quilting, sewing, gardening, garage sales and collecting antiques, but mostly loved her family and friends.

Shirley is survived by her sister, Sarah Smith of Marshall; three children: Melinda Pannell (Dennis) of Marshall, Margaret Lamb of Marshall and Jennifer Wisel (Michael) of Palmer, AK; daughter-in-law, Brenda Miller of Marshall;  eight grandchildren:  Daniel McClanahan (Koy) of Singapore, Jordan Lamb (Sarah) of Willard, MO, Porshia Miller and Austin Scott (Amber) of Marshall, Tehlor Harrison, Dalton McRae, Chase Wisel and Raven Wisel of Palmer, AK; six great- grandchildren:  Anthony Lamb of Willard, MO, Zoe McClanahan of Singapore, Amory and Atlas Scott of Marshall, Taggerung McRae and Kydd Michael Wisel of Palmer, AK; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Sheryl Powell of Kansas City, MO.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Dewey H. Palmer and Lena Margaret Chapman and stepfather John H. Chapman; one son, Kenny Miller; one brother, Robert Palmer; and five sisters, Carol Perryman, Linda Huffman, Viola Woodward, Betty Pass and Barbara Umphfrey.