Shirley Elizabeth Rich

Shirley was born Dec 8, 1943, to H.B. and Evelyn Rawlins as the 4th of 6 children. She was born in Mangum, Oklahoma and raised in her hometown of Hugoton, KS. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, HB and Evelyn Rawlins (Hugoton, KS), and sisters Marie Sullivan (Rolla, KS) and Jacque Pieratt (Liberal, KS).

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Claude (“Duke”) Rich; 3 sons Greg Rich (Cena), Jeff Rich (Starr), and JR Rich; 11 grandchildren Caleb Rich (Adria), Ashley Helm (Anthony), Luke Rich, Taylor Taylor (Ryan), Tylee Rich (Shawn), Brittany Coleman (Levi), Jared Rich, Ellie Helin (Matthew), Madison Lohr (Austin), Macy Rich, and Lexi Thomas (Brad); 16 great-grandchildren and 3 great- grandchildren arriving this summer. Shirley is also survived by 3 siblings, Dorothy Harper, Rick Rawlins (Kathy), and Jim Rawlins.

Shirley married Claude E. (“Duke”) Rich on August 28, 1960. They moved to Marceline, MO, in 1966 where they raised their three sons, Greg, Jeff, and JR. Shirley joined Claude in being Greg, Jeff, and JR’s biggest fans in their many sporting endeavors including football and wrestling. In addition to being a mother of three active boys, Shirley worked at Walsworth Publishing as a typist. She enjoyed many friends and activities in the Marceline community.

Claude and Shirley moved to Topeka, KS, in 1982, where she worked at the Shawnee County Courthouse in the Register of Deeds Office. They later moved to Olathe, KS in 1988, where she continued her Register of Deeds work in the Johnson County Courthouse until she retired.

Following their retirement in 2004, Claude and Shirley enjoyed many travels with the highlight being their winter stays in Panama City Beach, FL, where they cherished countless walks on the beach and numerous memories made with their snowbird friends at the Summer House community. While in Panama City, they regularly attended the Jenks Avenue Church of Christ.

Shirley was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, was strong in her faith, and was very influential in her family knowing Jesus as their Lord and Savior. She was always known for her love for Jesus, her beautiful singing voice, her warm friendly smiles, joy and laughter, devotion to family, and cheering on the KC Chiefs and KU Jayhawks. In addition to her heart for God, Shirley loved children and people. Many people love Shirley’s loving heart and infectious smile.

Funeral Services will be held at 13875 West 151st Street Church of Christ in Olathe, Kansas 66062 on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM. Services will begin at 10:45 AM. Internment begin at 1:30 PM at 150 Muncie Road Leavenworth, KS 66048 Veterans Cemetery.

Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers: Caleb Rich, Luke Rich, Jared Rich, Anthony Helm, Levi Coleman, Ryan Taylor, Matt Helin, Austin Lohr, and Brad Thomas.