Shirley Counter, 79, of Hiawatha, Kansas, passed away peacefully April 27, 2016, in her Maple Grove apartment in Hiawatha.

Shirley was born at Madison, Kansas, July 12, 1936, the daughter of the late Earl and Edna Hanes Wait.

Shirley was a woman with a heart of gold who loved and cherished her family and friends.

She cleaned for different businesses for many years before she retired. Shirley volunteered for Big Brothers/Big Sisters where she given a certificate of appreciation.

She is survived by children: John and Gina Speckhals, Jay Counter, Timothy Counter, and Teresa Owens. She had 16 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister Mildred Shepard of Salem, Oregon. She had a passion for lovebirds and nature. Shirley was an inspiration to many people. While she is now at peace, Shirley will be missed dearly.

Shirley was also preceded in death by ten brothers and sisters.

There will be a celebration of life at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at Hiawatha City Lake, to celebrate Shirley and all of the wonderful memories she has now left behind.

Memorials are suggested to Shirley Counter Memorial Fund to help with costs, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.