Shirley J. Richburg

Shirley McDonald Richburg, age 91, of Elgin, Texas, passed away on October 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 15, 1935, in District 4 of Bastrop County to Odell McDonald and Ollie Hibbs McDonald.

Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Malcolm Warren Richburg; her daughter, Virginia Richburg Green; her grandson, Matthew Richburg; and sister-in-law, Mary Tausch.

Shirley began her schooling at Elgin Primary School before moving to Austin after six weeks. She attended John B. Winn Elementary School, University Junior High, Austin High School, Austin Community College, and The University of Texas.

At the age of seven, Shirley’s prayers were finally answered when she became a big sister to her baby brother Darryl. Three years later she welcomed her baby sister Patsy. Her siblings were her pride and joy.

At a young age, Shirley met the love of her life, Warren, at the Church of Christ on 2nd Street in Austin. They married on April 25, 1952, while Warren was home on leave from the U.S. Navy when she was just 16 years old. During his military service, they made homes in California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington, beginning a lifetime of adventures together. Shirley and Warren shared a love of cooking, judging cook-offs, taking road trips, and going on cruises. Together, they traveled to every state except Alaska, creating countless memories along the way. But more than anything, they loved simply being together.

After returning to Austin, Shirley began working for the State of Texas Welfare Department, later known as the Texas Department of Human Services, where she served for 31 years before retiring. She was a loud and proud Reagan High School booster supporter and also spent time substituting for Elgin Independent School District. Shirley then devoted 10 years to CASA of Bastrop County, continuing her commitment to helping others and making a difference in her community.

Following her time with CASA, Shirley and Warren spent five years operating the food pantry for the Elgin Church of Christ. They both often said that this was the most satisfying work they had done in their entire lives. Their dedication to serving others was a reflection of their faith and the values they held dear.

Shirley is survived by her son, Michael Richburg, and his wife, Janice; her granddaughter, Kimberly Henze, whom she lovingly raised as her own, and Kimberly’s husband, Edward; her son-in-law, Marvin Green, her brother, Darryl McDonald, and his wife, Ann, and her sister, Patsy Spaw, and her husband, Steve.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Zachary and Brittney Richburg, Anna and Will Brown, Mackenzie and Caise Richburg, and Emma and Stephen Follis; her great-grandchildren, Chloe and Brian Rosenberg, Daphne and Matthew Debus, Blaine “Odie” Henze and fiancé Charlize Bloem, Aedan and Zoey Henze, Everleigh Richburg, Barrett Brown, Liam Richburg, Rosemary Follis, Bennett Brown, and Avery Follis; and her great-great-grandchildren, Luke Henze and Malcolm Rosenberg. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Family was Shirley’s greatest blessing and proudest accomplishment. She especially loved the holidays, when the whole family could gather and spend precious time together. You could often find Shirley and Warren at the ball field, cheering on Mike and Kim and in later years their great-grandchildren. She cherished every generation, took immense pride in their lives and accomplishments, and found her greatest joy in loving and caring for her family. Of all the things Shirley did throughout her 91 years, her family was what she treasured most and what she would have considered her greatest achievement.

Her steadfast faith in the Lord, faithful service to the church, dedication to her community, and unwavering love for her family defined the life she lived. Shirley’s life was a reflection of faith, compassion, and service. Above all, she leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her love and the example she set. Her family was her greatest work, her greatest joy, and her most enduring legacy.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, at Providence-Jones Funeral Home in Elgin. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, at Providence-Jones Funeral Home. Interment will follow immediately at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Elgin Nursing and Rehab Center for the love, kindness, and compassionate care they provided Shirley over the past three years. They are especially grateful for the special friendship Shirley formed with her dear bestie, Jeanette Dube, during her time there which brought her so much joy and companionship.