B. DeAnn Shirling

Barbara “DeAnn” Shirling (nee Cousins) of Prairie Village, Kansas, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2023. DeAnn lived her life to the fullest and was known by everyone for her kindness, passion for education, and her love of family.

DeAnn was born on August 2, 1940, in Concordia, Kansas. She was the eldest daughter of Deane and Helen Cousins. DeAnn graduated from Concordia High School. Upon graduation, she attended Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. DeAnn subsequently attended Emporia State University and received her Master’s Degree in School Counseling. DeAnn was a beloved elementary school teacher and counselor in the Kansas City area and retired from the Shawnee Mission School District after 36 years of teaching.

In 1960, DeAnn married her high school sweetheart and husband of sixty-three years, Alan Shirling, in Concordia, Kansas. DeAnn and Alan welcomed four sons to their marriage and remained active participants in their son’s lives and those of their three grandchildren until the end.

DeAnn was a kind, warm, and loving person. She was devoted to her family and friends, an avid Bridge player, an active member of Christ Church, and most of all, she cherished the happy memories of family trips to Colorado. DeAnn loved to read and was known for her creative and artistic talents. She enjoyed spending her leisure time quilting, making jewelry, knitting, and creating personal greeting cards for family and friends.

DeAnn is survived by her loving husband; her four sons, Eric Shirling, Chris Shirling, Curt Shirling, and Jeremy Shirling; and her three grandchildren, Andrew Shirling, Meghan Shirling, and Parker Shirling. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert Cousins.

A celebration of her life will be held at Christ Church Anglican in Overland Park, Kansas, on December 18, 2023, at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Harvesters Community Food Network in her name via the following link : https://secure3.convio.net/harvst/site/Donation2?df_id=2800&2800.donation=form1