Shirley Faye Rycroft

Shirley Faye Rycroft passed away in El Reno, Oklahoma on October 28, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Shirley was born January 31st, 1949 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma to Ralph Eugene and Jewel Faye (Gordon) Van Gilder.

Shirley was a native Oklahoman living most of her life in the state. She did spend a brief time in California. For most of her life, Shirley has been a member of the Nazarene church wherever she lived.

Shirley was successful in her professional career working with the Kerr McGee Corporation and was well respected in her position.

Shirley was well-rounded and she could enjoy a relaxing evening at home watching a good movie along with a good meal. She especially enjoyed comedy shows such as “Friends.” She would often go to comedy clubs and liked listening to a good joke.

Not always the luckiest in love, Shirley did not let her past hurts stop her from finding love. Shirley married Steven Rycroft May 8th, 1993 and they have been married for 31 years.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memory her husband Steven Rycroft; two children Shawn Lealos and wife Johanna and Heather Souza and husband Donny Souza; brothers Gene Van Gilder and wife Cherokee and Rick Van Gilder and wife Georgia; grandchildren Don Souza, Alyssa Souza and Ashley Lealos, and great grandson Jaxon Church; Princess Leia and Ranger.

A service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be 10 a.m., Friday, November 8, 2024, at Canadian Hills Church of the Nazarene with interment in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.