Shirley Jean Henderson

Shirley grew up in Lyons, Kansas and with her mother, Edith Alton, later moved to the Kansas City area. In 1947, she graduated from Westport High School, where she was an honor student and was voted “Prettiest Girl in the Senior Class” at Westport. In her family’s eyes she remained that way.

Following graduation, she joined the legal department of TWA and subsequently advanced to administrative assistant to the president of industrial relations. She enjoyed travelling and gratefully took advantage of her access to airline travel opportunities.

Shirley married Joseph Henderson in 1957. They would have observed their 65th wedding anniversary on May 4. Shirley was a dedicated little league Mom, Cub Scout Den Mother, and cheerleader sponsor during her children’s school years. She never missed one of their events.

Shirley enjoyed writing poetry, reading, and crocheting. And The New York Times Crossword Puzzle was a ritual. She also liked spending vacations in Mazatlan, Mexico with family and friends. She also was an avid supporter of Kansas State football and basketball and a loyal fan of the Royals and Chiefs.

She liked being connected to the business world and in 1969 she returned to work on a part-time basis so she could be home when school was out. She retired in 2010 from C & O Electric Sales Co. at age 80. She enjoyed being with her co-workers in the industrial world.

Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Clyde B. Alton; her mother, Edith Hawley and beloved son, Joseph R. Henderson.

She is survived by her husband, Joe; her daughter, Meredith Henderson; and one brother, William Gary Mellenbruch; a niece and two nephews.

Shirley preferred not to have a funeral service. She was buried in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.

Contributions, if desired, may be made to the Joseph R. Henderson Memorial Scholarship Fund at Kansas State University.