Surrounded by the love of her family, Shirlene Ruth Thomas peacefully gained her angel wings on May 29, 2026. Her final moments were spent exactly as she would have wanted—encircled by those she loved most.

Shirlene leaves behind a family who adored her: Debbie and Filip Garrett, Carl Koon, Cynthia and Kevin Burington, Kirsten and Glenn Hatz, Liesl and Steven King, and Julie Koon; her beloved grandchildren, Lisa, Shannon, Filip, Courtney, Evan, Karleen, Shelby, Erik, McKenzie, Katlyn, Hanna, and Travis, who were truly the light of her life; and 20 great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ty Thomas; her cherished sister, Virginia Derckaz; and her parents, Ambrose & Pauline Shelton.

The legacy Shirlene built through her kindness, strength, character, and unwavering integrity will live on in all who knew and loved her. She had a gift for making people feel valued, welcomed, and cared for, and her influence will continue to be felt for generations.

To so many, she was the beloved kindergarten teacher known simply as “Ms. Shirlene.” With patience, compassion, and a nurturing heart, she touched countless young lives and left lasting impressions on generations of students. Teaching was more than a profession to her—it was a calling.

To her family, she was simply Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. She raised six children and watched her family grow into a beautiful legacy of more than 50 family members. While she was proud of all their accomplishments, her greatest joy came from the love they shared and the values she passed down to each of them. She often said that her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, and they truly were the treasures of her life.

Shirlene was a devoted sports fan and an even more devoted supporter of her family. Whether it was a track meet, tennis match, basketball game, baseball game, or football game, she was there cheering from the stands. She rarely missed a St. Louis Cardinals game and faithfully followed the Missouri State Lady Bears—still affectionately calling the university SMS long after its name had changed. Her enthusiasm and loyalty never faded.

Her love for others extended far beyond her family. She deeply cared for our nation's military members and veterans. For years, her well-loved green Taurus proudly displayed a “Support Our Troops” magnet. She never missed an opportunity to thank a veteran for their service and was passionate about ensuring they received the respect and care they deserved.

Those who knew Shirlene also knew the beautiful love story she shared with her husband, Ty. Their devotion to one another was inspiring and enduring—a true example of love. We find comfort knowing she is now reunited with Ty, her sister Virginia, and her parents.

Even in passing, Shirlene continues to teach and give to others. In keeping with her wishes, she donated her body to science, ensuring that her final gift would help educate future generations and contribute to the advancement of medicine.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her special caregiver, Katherine King, and to the compassionate staff of the Elfindale Memory Care Unit for the kindness, dignity, and exceptional care they provided.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM at King’s Way United Methodist Church in Springfield, MO.

Though our hearts ache with her absence, we are forever grateful for the love she gave, the lessons she taught, and the family she built. We will carry her love, wisdom, and spirit with us always.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in honor of our mother's life and legacy to the Alzheimer's Association or The Parkinson's Foundation. Your generosity will help support ongoing research, education, and care for those affected by these diseases, while honoring the compassionate spirit and lasting impact she had on so many lives.

“Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”