Shirley A. Merz, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by her family. Her warmth, kindness, and quick wit filled every room she entered, and her cheerful chatter could turn strangers into friends in a matter of minutes.

Born in Bethel, Kansas, on September 27, 1943, Shirley was the fourth of five children born to Walter and Aubrey Mae McCord. Growing up, she loved being surrounded by her siblings and friends — and was rarely found without a story to tell or a laugh to share.

Shirley's caring heart led her to a lifetime of helping others. She began volunteering at her local hospital right out of high school, a role that sparked her lifelong love of connecting with people. After marrying, she made her home in Horton, Kansas, where she worked as City Clerk, as a cook at the Manor Retirement Home, and later in the lunchroom at Horton High School for the South Brown County School District. Whether she was serving up lunch, handling paperwork, or just passing through town, she never missed the chance to greet someone by name, ask about their family, or share a bit of good-natured gossip.

Learning to live without her are her sister, Betty (and the late Jack) Rehm; brother, Charles (Barbara) McCord; and son, James (Colleen) Stuart. Missing her love and laughter are her grandchildren: James (Jess) Stuart, Geoffrey (Megan) Irwin, Connor Irwin, Lyvia (Houston) Allen, Jacob Stuart, and Rebekah Stuart; and her great-grandchildren: Jaxson, Jolene, and Julia Stuart. Many nieces, nephews, and friends will continue to carry her memory and her gift for conversation forward.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Walter H. and Aubrey Mae McCord; brother, Larry McCord; sister, Donna Pfannenstiel; husband, Charles (Chuck) Merz; and beloved great-granddaughter, Josie Stuart.

A celebration of Shirley's life will be held at Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Ks. at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, with burial to follow at the Horton Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to gather, share memories, and — in true Shirley fashion — visit, laugh, and talk the day away in her honor.