Shirley Volluz

Shirley Mae Wohlschlaeger Volluz, mother, grandmother, and community servant, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, in Austin, Texas, at the age of 89. Daughter of Rowland and Mathilda Wohlschlaeger, she was proceeded in death by her husband of 43 years, Ronald E. Volluz.

Born on July 11, 1936, in St. Louis, Missouri, Shirley spent her early years there before settling in Texas, where she built a rich life rooted in family, faith, and service. She resided in Arlington, Texas, from 1972 to 2016, and most recently made her home in Austin.

Shirley is survived by her two sons, Gary Volluz and his wife Laura, and Kyle Volluz and his wife Chithra; and five cherished grandchildren: Hailey, Tyler, Nico, Ava, and Arianna, all of whom were the pride and joy of her life.

Growing up in St. Louis County, Shirley enjoyed school (she was most proud of having bypassed second grade and graduating from Kirkwood High School a year early), helping at both the Wohlschlaeger and Hertel family farms, and spending time with her parents, particularly her father Rowland. From that relationship grew her love of Cardinals baseball and sports overall that extended her entire life. In her later years she often said she “only watches sports and the news” on TV. Even a week before her passing she called to find out “what channel is the ballgame on?” After moving to Arlington, she added the Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks to her fandom. And “how about those Longhorns!” was at the end of call on Saturday nights.

A woman of faith and commitment to others, Shirley was a dedicated volunteer at Arlington Memorial Hospital (AMH) for nearly 40 years, offering compassion, time, and energy to those in need. Shirley filled several roles while at AMH, helping direct the operations of the hospital’s gift shop and an attendant in the Emergency Room. During her tenure at AMH Shirely served as statewide president of the Texas Association of Healthcare Volunteers. Shirely also was actively involved with the Arlington Newcomer’s Club, the Tarrant County Rape Crisis Center, and participated in an Arlington Independent School District program assisting the district’s educators.

Shirley was proud of her German heritage and enjoyed several trips with Ron to Germany to visit friends made overseas. As a result of her interest and knowledge of German culture, she also was part of the civic group that formally adopted Bad Konigshofen as Arlington’s sister city.

Her devotion to service extended into her spiritual life as well—she was a long-time and active member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in St. Louis, of which her ancestors were founding members and she sang in the choir; First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, where she served in numerous leadership roles, including elder and deacon; and, most recently, First Presbyterian Church of Austin. And at Atria Senior Living, where she enjoyed an independent lifestyle, she immediately became an ambassador in 2016 and welcomed new tenants to the community daily.

Overall, Shirley touched countless lives through her quiet acts of friendship and enduring faith. One of her final places of social activity was the local Starbucks where at 2:30 most afternoons she would have her favorite drink prepared by her friends on staff waiting for her after she walked in. It was a “Cheers!” moment that she relished.

A family memorial will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, August 1, at First Presbyterian Church of Austin, 8001 Mesa Dr., Austin, Texas, 78731. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Shirley’s memory with a donation to the Texas Association of Healthcare Volunteers.