Shirley B Skivers

Shirley Bell Kates Skivers was born September 3, 1925 in Kansas City, MO. At 100 years old, Shirley witnessed a full century of history during her lifetime. Shirley passed away peacefully in her home near Branson, MO surrounded by family on March 5, 2026. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, and laughter.

Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Gerald Leroy Skivers, in 2011, her parents, Sylvester and Elizabeth Kates, her sister, Dorothy Nehring, in 2007, and four brothers, Dallas (Dorothy’s twin), Benjamin, Ray, and Archie Kates. She was also preceded in death by two infant children, as well as her oldest son, Paul Dean Sprague, in 1992, her daughter, Dorothy Darlene (Sissy) Sprague Reaves, in 2019, son-in-law Bobbie L. Reaves in 2017, as well as her grandson, Miles Dean (Dink) Sprague, in 2018, and great-grandson, Bradley Sprague, in 2017.

Shirley and Gerald married in 1958. She brought three children into the union with her. Together, they had one son. They made their home in Grandview, MO until 1972. From there they moved to Warsaw, MO. Shirley worked at the Warsaw Walmart for many years from 1978-1993 where she made many friends.

One of Shirley’s favorite pastimes was playing Bingo with many of her friends from the Warsaw area. She was very superstitious while playing Bingo and had a collection of Trolls that she carried with her in her Bingo bag along with her many colors of Bingo dobbers. She lined all of the trolls up on the table in front of her, while she was able to manage playing multiple bingo cards simultaneously.

Shirley’s nickname by most of her grandchildren was Grandma River because they lived just up the hill from the river, and spent much of their time fishing and taking the grandkids out on the pontoon boat.

One of Shirley’s many talents was cooking delicious meals for her family. They always had a freezer full of fish fillets that were caught by Grandpa on his trotline. Specialty dishes that she was known for were her fried fish, baked beans, cheesy scalloped potatoes, and at holiday time there was always a big pot of her homemade chicken and noodles. The first words out of her mouth when someone arrived at her home were always “Do you need something to eat? Are you hungry?”

Shirley and Gerald relocated to Branson, MO in 1994, at which time she again looked for a job that would be fun. She was not yet ready to sit at home and be retired. Shirley worked at the Scoops Ice Cream Parlor at the outskirts of Branson from 1995-2005 when she finally retired at the age of 80. During her years of working at the Scoops Ice Cream Parlor, she took on the task of making all of the different flavors of ice cream homemade everyday.

Shirley loved the hustle and bustle of the Branson strip, going to nighttime shows, and enjoying all of the shops. As she aged and was no longer able to walk on her own, she still loved family to take her to Silver Dollar City in her wheelchair to sit at the Gazebo and listen to the live music. In the last few years when she was unable to leave her home as often, her daily activities were looking forward to watching “Big Barn” (the Andy Griffith Show) and her favorite judges on TV with Julia as her companion each day, providing great care and compassion, while Rowdy went to work. She looked forward every weekend to Rowdy taking her to town on his day off, getting to eat out, and spend time with her grandkids.

Shirley is survived by her son, Gerald Clark (Rowdy) Skivers, of the home in Branson, MO, her son Floyd Gene (Pud) and Grace Sprague of Kansas City, MO, and her daughter-in-law/caregiver, Julia Skivers Driskell of Branson, MO.

Shirley had 10 grandchildren. Miles Dean (Dink) Sprague (deceased), Leigh Ann Sprague Janes, Grady Eugene Sprague, Brian Dale Sprague, Jessica Grace Sprague, Shirley Darlene (Punkin) Neth, Stacy Ellen & Charlie McGann, Tony & Berta Taylor, Misty Renee Skivers, and Aaron Eugene Skivers & Amy Denkin.

Shirley had 28 great-grandchildren. Dink’s children-Bradley Sprague (deceased), Christina Miller, Jacob Sprague, and another daughter. Leigh Ann’s children-Coleigh & Joe Walker, and Paul Thomas & McKenzie Janes. Grady’s daughter-Allie & Eric Shelton. Brian’s son-Braden Sprague. Jessica’s children-Elizabeth, Emma, Isabella, and Jacob Sprague. Shirley’s children-Logan Neth and Savannah Neth & Cameron Berry. Stacy & Charlie’s children-Courtney & Dayne Aitkens, Morgan McGann & Dusty Nichols, and Garrett McGann. Tony & Berta’s children-Josie & Gary Grisham, Addison Taylor & Calvin Rains, Dylan & Amber Deckard, and Ryan & Tanicia Deckard. Misty’s children-Jacob Weter, Austin Weter, and Kirsten Stoll. Aaron & Amy’s children-Mason Skivers, Landon Skivers, Noah Wiley, and Emily Wiley & Zaiden Fuentes.

Shirley had 27.5 great-great-grandchildren. Bradley’s child-1 son. Christina’s children-Raelynn and Lee. Jacob’s children-2 sons. Daughter of Dink-1 son. Coleigh & Joe’s children-Joseph, Josiah, and Amelia. Paul Thomas & McKenzie’s children-Kinleigh, Paitynn, Thomas, Harper, and Beau. Allie & Eric’s children-Xavier, Odin, and Barrett. Savannah & Cameron’s child-baby Berry coming soon. Courtney & Dayne’s children-Liam and Kinsley. Morgan & Dusty’s child-Laynie. Josie & Gary’s children-Hudson and Jack. Dylan & Amber’s children-Gracie and Carlee. Ryan & Tanicia’s children-Preston and Kennidi. Emily & Zaiden’s child-Vivian Grace

Visitation will be held at Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7000 BLUE RIDGE BLVD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64133, US, on March 11, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Funeral will take place at Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7000 BLUE RIDGE BLVD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64133, US, on March 11, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

A Graveside service will be held at Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7000 BLUE RIDGE BLVD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64133, US, on March 11, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm.