Shirley A. Stauffer, 79, of Mayetta, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at her son Kevin’s home surrounded by her husband, her sons and daughters-in-law. She was born December 21, 1942 in Holton, Kansas the daughter of Clayton and Doris (Bohnenkemper) Bontrager.    

Shirley attended Bateman elementary school and Holton and Whiting High Schools.

Shirley married Auswell “Bud” Stauffer, Jr on December 31, 1961. They enjoyed sixty years of love and companionship.  He survives after Shirley made sure he completed cancer treatments.

She worked twenty-one years as a paraprofessional at Royal Valley Elementary in Mayetta and High School in Hoyt.  She helped as the unofficial secretary of the Mayetta Volunteer Fire Department.  She attended and was treasurer at the Mayetta Methodist Church.  She played a vital role in the family business, from bookkeeper to parts runner and shipping. She enjoyed word search books, puzzles, antiques shopping with her family, collecting small figurines and bells, observing birds in her feeders, food shows, rodeos and sports on television.  Shirley’s greatest joy was watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in events.  She loved attending dance recitals, soccer matches and ballgames. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include four sons: Bryan Stauffer (Cindy) of Stanwood, WA; Kevin Stauffer (Laura) of Holton, KS; Jeffrey Stauffer (Melissa) of Silver Lake, KS; Todd Stauffer (Rosetta) of Mayetta, KS; eleven grandchildren, Rachel Whitten  (Joe) of Eudora, KS; Clayton Stauffer (Carolina) of Midland, TX; Laura Kinney (Chris) of Bellevue, WA; Julia Noreika (Michael) of New London, NH; Adam Stauffer (Laura)  of Topeka, KS; Kenley Carpenter (Bryce) of Holton, KS; Ellie Klepees (Dillon)  of Holton, KS; Aidan and Brenna McDonald-Stauffer of Silver Lake, KS; Gary Stauffer (Andrea)  of Topeka and Tim Stauffer of Atchison, KS; seventeen great-grandchildren;  two brothers, Roger Bontrager (Connie) of Holton, KS and Richard Bontrager (Susan) of Holton, KS.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, June 6, 2022 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton, KS. Burial will follow at Mayetta Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 3:00-5:00 p.m., Sunday, June 5, 2022 at the funeral home.  Memorials may be given to Mayetta Methodist Church or Mayetta Fire Department c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.