Inger Elizabeth Shaw

Shaw, Inger Elizabeth (Pyles) 60, passed away on February 21, 2018. She was born on November 26, 1957 in Wichita, KS to Judge John Edward Pyles (deceased) and Mrs. Deborah (Thompson) Pyles (deceased). Inger was simply amazing. She loved music, dancing, art, and her children. A lifetime learner, she earned a Bachelor's Degree from Friends University and was pursuing her Master's Degree at the time of her death. Inger made it her life's purpose to enrich the lives of children through dance education. She opened TAPS Dance Co. in Wichita's urban core to give all children the gift of dance and self-confidence. She served as the Executive Director of TAPS for over 20 years and received numerous awards for her work in the community. She sponsored the Wichita performances of the Alvin Ailey Ballet Company and tap dance legend "Sandman" Sims. Inger co-wrote the original stage play "Cyn'della" and created "The Traveling TAPS", a children's dance troupe which performed and competed in venues nationwide. An excellent and engaging leader, Inger was Senior Class President, Class of 1976, of (Kapaun) Mount Carmel Catholic High School and Miss Wichita 1976. Inger was a past President of the Wichita Chapter of the Links, Incorporated of which she was an active member since 1984. A devout Catholic, she was a lifetime member of Holy Savior Catholic Church where she served as a member of the school's Advisory Board, Building Fund, and creator of the Liturgical Dance Program. Inger was the dedicated mother of six successful children: Jennifer (Shaw) Lanton, Stacy Shaw, Esq., Veronicia (Shaw) Stanley, Debra Shaw, David Shaw, II, and Juliana Shaw, Esq. She was the loving sister of Byron Pyles (deceased), Pamela Pyles, Joni Pyles-Szczepanik, Stanley Pyles, Pharm. D., Danley Pyles (deceased), John Pyles, and Dr. J. Mario Pyles. She was an inspiration and friend to thousands whose lives she impacted forever. She was a champion, caregiver and will be missed and remembered fondly. She is survived by her six children, five siblings, and thirteen grandchildren. Her memorial celebration and TAPS Dance Co. Reunion will be held on Saturday, March 3rd at 4:00 pm at Safira's Center for World Dance, 2919 E. Kellogg Dr. South, Wichita, KS 67211. Private services by Resthaven Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to her Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Stacy Shaw, 632 West 39th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.