Shirley Ann York

 Shirley Ann York, 74, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on Monday (February 17, 2025) at Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas.

  Born November 9, 1950 in Westmoreland, Kansas, Shirley was the daughter of Paul J. and Marie E. (Raugewitz) Henry. She was a 1969 graduate of Westmoreland High School. 

  An accomplished artist, Shirley began painting at 7 years old. She drew much of her inspiration from her childhood growing up on a farm near Flush, Kansas. Shirley said she painted in three styles: childlike, refined and abstract. She sold hundreds of handmade arts and crafts through the years, and had several exhibits at the Ag Hall of Fame, Two Wolves Gallery, Topeka Poppytrail Gallery and Yeldarb Gallery in Topeka.

  In addition to the art she created, she also enjoyed "Picture Lady" visits to Manhattan and Wamego elementary schools to share the stories of renown artists and their masterpieces with school children. She was a regular vendor at the Manhattan Farmer's Market for over 35 years, where she sold handmade arts, crafts, and flowers and vegetables she grew in her garden. She was an avid gardener and green thumb, growing all varieties of flowers for others to enjoy. 

  Shirley had a long and varied career throughout her life. She was self employed as a cleaner, working in many residences and businesses in Manhattan which included the Manhattan Country Club, Riley County Health Department, Lundin Apartments, and Pottroff Law Office and did construction clean up and gardening for the Riffels Property Management. She sold advertising and was a contributing writer for The All Valley Shopper paper, illustrated 3 children’s books and owned and operated Needful Things Antique Shop for six years. 

  Shirley is survived by her three sons, Jason R. York (Frances York) of Knoxville, TN, Justin W. York (Krysandre Becker) of Zeandale, KS and Chance A. York (Angela Adkins) of Akron, OH; and her siblings, Arthur Henry, Darrell Henry and Lorraine Diederich. For the last 15 years, Shirley shared her life with Mike Lafebere of Manhattan. Shirley is also survived by her many friends, including Gladys & Jack Conrow, Patty Oberg and Sandy Cravens, who will miss her dearly.

  Shirley was preceded in death by her parents.

  Funeral services will be held Monday morning (February 24, 2025) at 11:00 at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home with Fr. Mike Peterson officiating. Burial will be in Valley View Memorial Park in Manhattan.

  Visitation will be Monday morning (February 24, 2025) from 10:00 until the time of services at the funeral home.

  Memorial contributions are suggested to Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home to help with expenses and those may be sent to P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547