Shirley Arthula Harding

Shirley A. Harding, 75, passed away on April 23rd, 2024, surrounded by her children. Born October 5th, 1948, in Sayer, Oklahoma, the daughter of Hubert L. Fullerton and Cleo (Totty) Fullerton.

Born and raised until the age of seven in Sayre Oklahoma. The family moved to Derby in 1955. Shirley attended Derby school district until she completed her high school diploma. Shirley raised her two children in Derby until she moved to Winfield in 2004.

In her early years, Shirley enjoyed crocheting, cross-stitching, and was an avid reader and book collector. She was also a consumer of old American movie classics. She was considered to be a surrogate mom to all her children’s friends, loving and welcoming any teenager into her home with open arms. Throughout the years, she was known as the queen of game nights; she especially excelled at Trivial Pursuit. In her later years, Shirley enjoyed being a grandma to her ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two bonus great grandchildren. In her most recent years she enjoyed traveling with her grown children and their families. Just recently flying in a plane for the first time in her life. She also loved exploring on her little red scooter with her dog Ozzy (except for that time she ran over him, but he survived!) Shirley never met a stranger, with her infectious smile and laughter she enjoyed anyone who would stop to chat.

Shirley received her early education in data entry and keypunch. She began as a data entry clerk and enjoyed an excellent career working for KG&E/Westar and then Webster Engineering in Winfield until 2013, when she retired.

Shirley is survived by her son, Martin D. Harding, and his wife (Stacie) of Wichita; her daughter, Kristine Olmstead (Harding) of Winfield; her grandchildren, Bradley Harding (Kayla) of San Antonio, Gage Harding of Colorado Springs, Samantha James of Haysville, Chandler Olmstead of Lawrence, and Jack Harding of Haysville; her bonus-grandchildren, Tyler Bushnell (Kelly), Braden Bushnell, Reagan Rosiere; and her six great-grandchildren. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Marshall Fullerton and Doug Fullerton, and her grandson Caleb Olmstead.

Funeral services will be held on May 31st, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Smith Mortuary in Derby, Kansas. The funeral procession will follow to El Paso Cemetery.