Shirley Ling

Shirley (as she was called) was born Lillian Shirley Stiles on January 19th 1915 to loving parents E.G. and Mabel Stiles of the Conoley Community. She graduated from Thorndale High School in 1932, and later attended the McKenzie Business School in Bryan, TX. Shirley was very talented and versatile, with such skills as being a beautician, a piano teacher, and a kindergarten teacher. She owned and operated the Musical Fun Kindergarten in Bryan, TX. She was an avid knitter, a master at crocheting, and extremely skilled at both the organ and piano, she loved to refinish antique furniture as well as gather wild flowers. She also was a skilled hunter and loved to hunt with her husband. Shirley joined the Methodist church at the age of 9, and later played the organ for the First United Methodist Church of Thorndale until it closed.

Shirley became acquainted with Don Leslie Ling, of Thorndale, and they were married November 26th, 1939, at the First Methodist Church of Thorndale. Shirley and Don have two sons; Don Leslie Ling Jr. and David Gayle Ling. Shirley and Don built a cabin in Somerville where they spent many happy hours.

Shirley’s husband, Don Ling Sr. passed away on the 23rd of January, 1976.

Shirley later met Billy Landrum of Thorndale and quickly became friends. They enjoyed travelling to Europe, the Holy Lands, Hawaii, and all over the rest of the United States. They shared such passions as antiques, ceramics and dancing.

Shirley was the last surviving child of E.G. and Mabel Stiles.

Shirley is survived by her sons; Don Ling Jr. (wife Carol) and David Ling. She is also survived by four grandchildren; Aaron Ling, Travis Ling, Lesley Ling, and Houston Hall; and two great-grandchildren; Evan Ling and Ava Ling.

A visitation will be held in Condra Funeral Home, of Taylor, on Friday June 28th 2013 at 6pm.

A funeral service will be held in Condra Funeral Home, of Taylor, on Saturday June 29th, 2013 at 10am.

Shirley will be laid to rest in Thorndale City Cemetery next to her husband and near her parents.