Sharon "Shari" Elaine Caywood

Born to Gene and Dorothy Miller in Kansas City, Missouri, Shari was a 1962 graduate of Raytown South High School. She went on to pursue professional modeling and training through the Patricia Stevens Studio in Kansas City, where she later trained numerous models, including contestants for the Miss USA pageant. Among those she worked with was Debbie Barnes, Miss America 1968.

On August 28, 1964, Shari married Frank Ritgers Caywood in Kansas City. They soon made Salina their home, where they raised their family and built a life rooted in agriculture and estate planning. Frank preceded her in death in December 1992.

Shari’s life was also defined by her dedication to public service and politics. She was an active and passionate force in local, state, and national campaigns. She worked on the Ronald Reagan campaigns in 1980 and 1984, George H.W. Bush’s campaign in 1988, and the Bob Dole Presidential Campaign in 1996. A highlight of her political work came in 2000, when she was selected as a Presidential Elector for George W. Bush, proudly serving as a member of the Electoral College. Additionally, Shari was appointed to the Kansas Corrections Ombudsman Board from 1977 to 1980.

Shari and Frank’s legacy continues through the “Frank R. & Shari Caywood Professor” of Anesthesiology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota—an enduring contribution to the field of medicine and education.

She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Ensminger (Moran, KS); grandchildren: Brec Ensminger (Platte City, MO), Jordanna McGlynn (Athens, AL), and Taylor Gorman (Pittsburg, KS); and great-grandchildren: Maddyn, Durani, and Onyxx McGlynn (Athens, AL), Mason and Hayden Gorman (Pittsburg, KS), and Kade Ensminger (Platte City, MO). She was preceded in death by her husband Frank and great-grandson Moxlee McGlynn.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to TLC Professionals, whose compassionate and devoted care enabled Shari to remain in her home for over seven years. A special thank-you to Sonja and her dedicated team for the love, kindness, and above-and-beyond support shown to Shari and her family.

A private family service will be held at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home in Kansas City, Missouri.