Born on February 19th, 1929 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Eva Marguerite (Hill) and Emil Ross Allen, Shirley was the middle of three children. After graduating from high school, Shirley began her career in banking. At age 22 she married the love of her life, Robert Eugene Cates on May 26th, 1951 at the Community Christian Church near Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza. Shirley was a beautiful bride in a ballerina-length gown of white organza over satin adorned with organdy roses. The couple honeymooned at the Chase Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri and made their first home in Kansas City, Missouri. Bob and Shirley raised their children, David and Emily, in Overland Park, Kansas and Annapolis, Maryland. After Bob’s retirement in 1994, they moved to Kingwood, Texas and ultimately to The Woodlands, Texas. Bob and Shirley were happily married for 67 years until Bob’s passing in 2018.
Shirley was an avid water skier, swimmer, and tennis player. She was also a very talented and crafty homemaker, sewing clothes and designing creative home decor sold in local stores. She devoted countless hours to supporting her children in their favorite activities, while managing the business of the home to keep it running like a well-oiled machine. Shirley’s greatest joy and accomplishment in life came from raising her children and creating a loving and happy home for her family.
Like so many in this world, Shirley faced significant challenges throughout her lifetime. But unlike so many others, she always found the good in people and circumstances. Even as her health failed, she rose above physical challenges with a positive outlook, and never a complaint. She navigated all aspects of life with dignity and grace. Her positivity, kindness, compassion, and optimism are the cornerstones of the legacy she leaves behind.
Shirley is survived by her son David (Kelly), her daughter Emily (Scott), four dear grandchildren (Alyssa, Reese, Weston and Landon), her brother Ross Allen and nieces and nephews from both sides of the family. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years Bob Cates, her parents Marguerite and Emil, and her brother Wayne.
The family would like to thank the staff at Addington Place of the Woodlands (formerly Autumn Leaves) for the exceptional care provided to Shirley and Bob during their final years.
A Celebration of Shirley’s Life will be held on Wednesday April 1, 2020 at 9:30am at Forest Park, The Woodlands Funeral Home. Due to government restrictions for the Coronavirus pandemic, attendance at Shirley’s Celebration of Life is limited to immediate family, but everyone is invited to view the online photos celebrating Shirley’s life and to add a memory using the link below.
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