Shirley Fae Carnahan

  Shirley Fae (McClelland) Carnahan, 89, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on January 11, 2025, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan, Kansas.

  Shirley was born January 20, 1935, in McPherson, Kansas, to Everett and Gladys (Schultz) McClelland. She was raised in Hoxie, Kansas, and attended high school in Washington, Kansas. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Kansas State University and a Master's degree in Library Science from Emporia State University. She was a beloved librarian and 3rd-grade teacher in the Wamego School District for 28 years. 

  On August 3, 1957, Shirley married Warren Carnahan in Manhattan, Kansas. During their marriage, Warren farmed with his family east of Wamego. Shirley and Warren spent their married life in Wamego, where they raised three children. They attended numerous ball games, music concerts, and drama events for their children and grandchildren. Her family was her heart.

  Shirley was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wamego, where she served in various roles. She loved teaching Sunday School and serving with her church family. She was a proud member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, which promotes women educators' professional and personal growth. She also spent time as a member of the GFWC Portia Club.

  Survivors include her children and their spouses: Scott Carnahan (Jodi) of Wamego, Brian Carnahan (Karen) of San Francisco, California, and Sheryl Wohler (Brian) of Wamego. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren: Amanda Elias (Matt), Alyssa Carnahan, Cara Lanterman (Brandon), Jamie Parker, Jennie Luera (Chris), Quin Parker (Genevieve), Zac Carnahan, Reade Wohler, Sam Wohler (Morgan) and Claire Wohler (Carter). Additional survivors include her great-grandchildren: Eleanor Elias, Margaret Elias, Cirice Luera, Adrienne, and Tracy Lanterman. She is also survived by her brother Lynn McClelland (Mattie) of Chapala, Mexico. 

  Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, sister Patricia Bellah, and husband.

  A memorial service will be held on January 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church in Wamego. The family will greet friends and family on January 16, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Wamego. A private inurnment will take place at a later date.

  Memorial contributions may be made to the "Shirley Carnahan Memorial Fund" to benefit the First Presbyterian Church of Wamego and for educational purposes. They can be sent in the care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, KS, 66547. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.