Shirley R Kugler

Shirley R. Kugler, beloved wife of Robert H. Kugler (d. 2012) passed away on March 4, 2026, peacefully surrounded by those she loved. During her 90 years, she touched many lives with her deep love for family and friends.

She was born in Mineral Springs, Arkansas, on December 19, 1935, the only child of Kenneth and Mildred Hughes. She often spoke with great tenderness about her close relationship with her Grannie and Papa while growing up, and she cherished the many memories she made with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. While life was simple in those days and they did not have much, she often reflected that those years were some of the best of her life.

For more than 60 years she called Tallahassee her home, where she dedicated over 28 years of service to the state of Florida Dept. of Health and Dept. of Education, working as an administrative assistant, as well as working over 12 years to help operate and manage Check Mark Office Supply, the business she owned with her late husband.

Shirley was an excellent cook who delighted in preparing meals for those she loved. She had a deep affection for animals – particularly cats- and showed kindness and care to every creature she encountered. She also enjoyed reading, listening to audiobooks, and watching movies. Family and friends were always delighted to receive her thoughtfully written cards and letters. Known as an excellent shopper, she took great joy in finding just the right present to make others feel special.

When given the opportunity, Shirley also loved to travel. One of her favorite memories was a trip she took with family at the age of 75 to Yellowstone National Park, where she rode a snowmobile through the park in the winter—an adventure she enjoyed retelling for years afterward.

Shirley was the heart and guiding presence of a large, blended family. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert H. Kugler and her parents, Kenneth and Mildred Hughes. She is survived by sons Paul Mauck, Jr., and Robert (Becky) Mauck, daughter Cathy (Denney) Pate, stepson Mike (Beth) Kugler and stepdaughters Andrea (Mike) Soloway, Cynthia (Emery-deceased) Csikos, Cecelia (Gary) Miller, Teresa Standland, and Angela (Scott) Kadlec. She was a proud grandmother of 7 grandchildren – Ryan Mauck, Aaron Mauck, Taylor Mauck, Courtney (Jarrod) Gwaltney, Brenna (Kyle) Baker, Jessie (Bo) Smith, and Bryan VanDewark, and 10 step-grandchildren – Alex (Alice) Perry, Adam Perry (deceased), Brian Miller, Brett (Sarah) Miller, Matthew (Marina) Standland, Jacob Standland, Natasha Kadlec, Alesha (Sam) Parks, Mike Kugler. Jr., and Christopher Kugler. Shirley was also blessed with 12 great-grandchildren – Tucker Gwaltney, Peyton Gwaltney, Weston Mauck, Warner Mauck, Wyatt Mauck, Mendi Vandewark, Brody Baker, Sadie Smith, Savannah Perry, Olivia (Jake) Barksdale, Christian Kugler, and Caleb Kugler.

Her warmth, thoughtfulness, and love for her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 12 at 11 AM at Culley’s Meadowood Funeral Home, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to ASCPA, Alley Cat Allies, or any charity of your choice.