Shirley Louise Castrisos

Castrisos, Shirley Louise (Brentlinger), died on September 30, 2014 in Wichita, Kansas at the age of 88. She was born on December 26, 1925 in her Grandmother’s home in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Arriving the day after Christmas, she used to joke that she was “late, as usual.” The family moved to Wichita in 1929, where Shirley spent the remainder of her life.

Born to Earl Seaton Brentlinger and Ina Pearl Clayton Brentlinger, Shirley often noted that she had “the world’s best parents” and she recalled many fond childhood memories with extended family. Her only sibling, Lorraine Brentlinger Baker (1920-1959) died at age 39 of colon cancer; and thereafter Shirley became known for frequently urging others to take preventative measures.

Shirley graduated from North High School, where she was a proud member of the National Honor Society. She worked at the insurance company Dulaney, Johnston, and Priest for 50 years, spanning her entire career. She was very proud of being elected President of the Insurance Women’s Association for the Midwest Region. Through her work she also met her husband, Tom Castrisos, who predeceased her in 1997. They were married on October 1, 1955 and enjoyed many travel adventures together, especially to Greece. Shirley and Tom were active members of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral, with church activities and friends being central to their lives. She had a witty sense of humor and enjoyed cooking, reading, crossword puzzles, Peanuts comic strip, watching baseball games, and chocolate.

Shirley is survived by her nieces, Donna Morgan of California and Karen Baker of Pennsylvania; great niece, Michelle Morgan; great nephews Michael Morgan, Neil Garrett, and Miles Garrett; and nine great-great nephews and nieces. She is also survived by cousins, Bob Clayton of Olathe, Kansas, and Larry Clayton and Sandra Ailshie of Oklahoma; and a niece by marriage, Helen Kousparis of Texas.

Trisagion Funeral: 7 pm, Friday at St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral. Funeral: 10 am, Saturday, October 4, 2014 at Culbertson-Smith Mortuary. Trisagian Graveside to follow at Resthaven Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Park West Plaza 505 N. Maize Rd. Wichita, Kansas 67212.