Shirley Darlene Yonce, 86, joined her husband, Wayne and daughter, Cheryl in heaven on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 while surrounded by her family. She was born December 13, 1937, in Williamsburg, Kansas, the daughter of Densil and Dessie (White) Denton.
Shirley is considered the Kansas Centennial Sweetheart. During the 1961 Centennial Celebration, she was chosen by KAKE to receive an entire wedding and have it fully televised for the first time.
Shirley graduated from Wichita West High School, then attended Friends University where she graduated with the class of 1960. During her early years, she taught Art, P.E. and Ballroom Dancing. After her first child was born she became an advocate for the handicapped. She was involved in politics and education throughout her life holding many positions. During this time she received many awards including a Citizens of the Year Award from the Civitan Club and the 2004 KAKE on your Side Award.
In her free time, she was an avid Wichita Wings soccer fan, enjoyed bowling, drawing, painting and craft projects. In her later years she became a huge fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.
She is preceded in death by: her parents; sisters, Dorothy (Denton) Moore and Mary Jane Denton; husband, Wayne and daughter, Cheryl.
She is survived by: her son, Shayne (Amy) Yonce; brother, Ray (Emily) Denton; 4 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held 9:30 AM on Friday, January 12, 2024, with the Funeral Service immediately following at 10:30 AM, both at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. US-54 Highway, Wichita, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be designated in Shirley's name to Special Olympics, Kansas, 5280 Foxridge Drive, Mission, Kansas 66202, or to Alzheimer's Association, 535 W. Douglas Avenue #150, Wichita, Kansas 67213.
