The beloved “Queen Mother” of our family, Shirlene Flaxbeard, 76, passed away on December 16, 2023 in Osawatomie, Kansas. She was the widow of Dale Flaxbeard and they lived 37 happy years together in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Overland Park, Kansas.
Born in Bishop, California, she was the daughter of Paul and Margie Vaughn. She was a member of the Berryhill High School Class of 1965 in Berryhill, Oklahoma. She had many lifelong high-school friends who she enjoyed visiting. Following high school, Shirlene went to Oklahoma State University. She worked as a legal secretary and was known for her efficiency with her shorthand note-taking and excellent organizational skills. Her organizational skills carried over into her home life as a mother, wife, and homemaker.
Shirlene belonged to the Overland Park Church of Christ. She also belonged to a special group of ladies from across the country who called themselves the “Sea Sisters”. Shirlene enjoyed the time spent with her Sea Sisters and loved them dearly. She also looked forward to the many family gatherings at Twin Rivers on Table Rock Lake. Family was an important part of her life and she made sure they knew they were loved. Shirlene was also an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and attended many of their games, including one of their Super Bowl Championships. Shirlene could light up a room with her bright smile and infectious laugh. She had a way of making others feel welcome and valued in her presence.
She is survived by her three children, Becki Brown (Mark), Beth Grounds (Dave), and Chuck Flaxbeard (Mandi), 7 grandchildren, Joshua Brown, Jennifer Brown, Zach Flaxbeard (Laura), Zoey Davis (Tommy), Emily Sullivan (Carl), Kristen Durning (Ryan), and Dale Flaxbeard II. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Margie Vaughn, her husband, Dale Flaxbeard, and her sons, Tom Flaxbeard and Larry Flaxbeard.
The memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri, 64131.
