Shirley J Kjersten

Shirley Jean (Ivans) Kjersten, 84, passed away on May 26, 2021 at her home in Oklahoma City, surrounded by family. She was born on September 5, 1936, in Wynnewood, OK, to Lela Pearl & Clayde Nathaniel Ivans. Shirley moved many times, but spent the majority of her life in Oklahoma.

While living in Las Vegas, Nevada, Shirley met and later married the love of her life, Arden Kjersten, on January 26, 1974. Over the years, she worked in a variety of fields, including modeling waitressing, book keeping and later in life: a homemaker - but her most cherished titles were those given by her family: “Honey Bunch” (by her beloved husband), “Mom,” “Sister,” and “Nana.”

Shirley loved the Lord and regularly shared her faith with others. She enjoyed crafting, decorating, reading, singing, shopping for bargains at thrift stores and garage sales, making others laugh with her spunky personality, and most of all - sharing her love and generosity with her family, friends and even strangers.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Lela and Clayde; son, Kenneth Ray James, Jr.; granddaughter, Kelly Marie Gwinn; niece, LeAna Kay Ivans; great-niece, Avelyn KayLee Grace Ivans; and several of her beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is survived by her husband, Arden; daughter Anita James; son Greg Stephens and daughter-in-law Lynda; son, Jeff Stephens; daughter, Chantal McAtee; daughters-in-law: Denise Gearin, Debbie Lynch & Denise Stephens; brother Don Ivans & sister-in-law Marilyn; nephew Patrick Ivans; nephew Josh Ivans & wife, Michele; grandchildren: Kristen; Trina & fiancé Matt; Ashley & fiancé Ruben; Justin & partner DeDe; Deanna, Kyle, Trevor, Amanda, Jason & fiancé Jennifer; Jessica & fiancé Casey; great-grandchildren: Jaden, Baylee, RJ (Gonzalez Stephens), Ariana, RJ (Rahni) & Soren; several cherished great-nephews, great-nieces and their families.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at 10am - in the chapel at Bill Merritt Funeral Home, in Bethany, OK.