Shirley Ann Upschulte

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life lived with love, strength, and joy, we announce the passing of Shirley Ann Upshulte (née Greene) on Monday, September 29, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 68.

Shirley was born on February 23, 1957 in Beloit, Kansas, to Norman and Mary Ann Greene, and raised on the family farm in Jewell, Kansas, alongside her siblings—Steve (Susan), Sue (Max), and Scott (Janelle). The values Norman and Mary Ann taught the Greene children early in life—hard work, faith, loyalty, and a deep sense of care for others—shaped everything Shirley did.

Shirley attended Pittsburg State University, where she joined the sisterhood of the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority, and graduated with her nursing degree. Shirley dedicated her life to nursing, and her compassionate touch reached countless lives. She started at Trinity Hospital in Kansas City in 1986, then moved on to North Kansas City Hospital in the cardiac catheterization lab in 1991, later bringing her gifts into the homes of patients through home health care through North Kansas City Hospital. She was a true caregiver—both by profession and by nature.

Early in her nursing days in the big city, she met Jeffery Ladd, and the two shared a playful spirit and would build a joyful life together, full of love. They were joined in marriage on May 4, 1985, and were blessed with their daughter, Kristy Ann Ladd—their pride and joy—in September 1986. Shirley’s world changed forever when Jeff passed away from cancer in 1997, but she carried forward with strength and fortitude, honoring the love they shared through her love for Kristy.

When Shirley met Stephen Upschulte and they married in 2003, her encore love story began. Steve also encouraged her mischievous side, and their love brought together a blended family, where Shirley loved Steve’s kids—Kim Cochrane and Keith Upschulte, and her step-grandchildren, Tyler Cochrane and Emma Upschulte —from the bottom of her heart. In turn, Steve loved Kristy as his own.

If there was one role Shirley cherished above all else, it was being Kristy’s mom. She was Kristy’s biggest and best fan—literally. All of her races, triathlons, and grueling Ironman competitions across the country, Shirley was there—cheering, supporting, and beaming with pride. She loved watching Kristy chase her dreams and made a point to show up, not just physically, but wholeheartedly. Through these adventures, she also became the Reds Triathlon Team, Team Mom — “Mama Ladd.”

Shirley had a heart bigger than most. If you were friends with Shirley, you were family. She had the best ornery laugh, gave the warmest hugs, and maintained a teasing spirit that could brighten even the darkest day. She was salt of the earth—steady, loyal, and true. And had true grit and courage—which she demonstrated in spades until her very last breath.

She was also incredibly talented—an expert seamstress, a master quilter, and an enthusiastic baker. Her hands were always busy making something beautiful or delicious. Quilting, especially, became both a creative outlet and a treasured community—her quilting group and retirement career at Quilting is my Therapy, was a source of wonderful friendships. Her work was skillful, artful, and the love sewn into each piece will live on in her work.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Kristy Ladd Culp, Son-In-Law, Travis Culp; her husband Steve Upschulte; her step-children Kim Cochrane, Keith Upschulte; her step-grandchildren Tyler Cochrane, Emma Upschulte; her siblings and their spouses; and a large extended family, including many beloved nieces and nephews—Nathan (Amber) Greene, Jacob (Sara) Greene, Brittany (Matthew) Boyce, Chelsey Greene, Corbin Greene, Anna (Jon) Dickson, Meredith (Dave) Holland, and Jocelyn (Josh) Mourning, Jeana (Arnie) Knickerbocker, Dan (Kristin) Upschulte, Ashley (Zach) Voss, Nick Upschulte, CJ Upschulte, and Tim Upschulte—who all knew Aunt Shirley as their loudest cheerleader, fiercest protector, and always ready to show up.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jeffery Ladd, mother Mary Ann Greene, brother-in-law Tom Upschulte, and father Norman Greene.

Shirley’s legacy is one of deep love, service, strength, courage, and joy. She will be missed more than words can express, and remembered with every quilted stitch, shared recipe, and cherished memory.

A visitation will be held on Thursday evening 5-7 p.m. and a service will take place on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Per Shirley’s request, you’re invited to a celebration of life luncheon, "The Shirley Show" at 1:00 p.m. at the Argosy Casino Grand Ballroom to continue sharing stories, laughter, and love in her honor (gambling optional, but highly encouraged).

A Memorial Service in her hometown will be held at the Jewell Christian Church on October 12, at 2:00 p.m. with an ice cream social to follow at the Jewell Community Center.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Kansas Honor Flight, Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, The Family Conservancy, or a charity of your choice that represents Shirley in your heart.