Shirley was born on October 24, 1935 in Dighton, KS, the third of 3 children of the late Arle and Josephine Boltz. Raised in Dighton, Shirley graduated from Dighton High School with the Class of 1953 then attended Colorado Women’s College in Denver, CO, graduating in 1955 with an Associate of Arts degree. Shortly after graduation from college, Shirley married Leland Schmoker, an Air Force pilot, in 1956 and lived in various Air Force bases around the United States. With Leland, Shirley had 4 children.
Following Leland’s untimely death in 1973, Shirley married Ralph Greer in 1976, and they were married for over 48 years. Together, Shirley and Ralph enjoyed a lifetime of adventures, traveling to many places around the world and enjoying music, dancing, reading, and each other.
Shirley served various offices in the PEO Sisterhood and Gold Star Wives of America, and she enjoyed attending Bible studies and social groups. Shirley was also a gifted organist and pianist, winning several statewide awards in her youth and continuing to play throughout her life. However, there is no question that Shirley’s greatest joy in life was displayed through her unwavering and fierce dedication to her extensive family. Shirley’s proudest moments were spent raising her children and celebrating the various milestones of her family members through the years. Always so proud, she took hundreds of photos throughout her life and rarely asked to be in a single one. She always knew how to choose the perfect birthday card and, with her uniquely distinguishable cursive, wrote something personal in each one. And when times got tough, Shirley was always there to encourage her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, to “stay right in the buggy.” Shirley’s love for her family is truly unmatched. Her absence will be especially felt at Easter brunch and Thanksgiving dinner.
Shirley (a/k/a “Mom” or “GG”) is survived by her devoted husband Ralph; children Suzanne (Mike), Cynthia (Marty), and Brent (Annette); 13 grandchildren (Sara, Lauriel, Joel, Caleb, Monica, Leah, Leland, Melissa, Tyler, Connor, Dylan, Aurelia, Alicia); and 9 great grandchildren (Kaylee, Kadence, Kinsley, Kolban, Emma, Wyatt, Harrison, Michael, Riley). Shirley is also survived by many other cherished family members and friends who loved her and will greatly miss her.
In addition to her parents and Leland, Shirley is predeceased by her son Stephen and sisters Arlene and Eleanor. Thinking of these joyful, long-awaited reunions in Heaven gives her family immense comfort as we grieve the loss of this beautiful, remarkable woman.
A special thank you to the hospital staff at CU Health for their kindness and caring of Shirley as she entered eternal rest.
