Shirley Louise Janssen, 87, passed away Dec. 29, 2023, at her home in Great Bend, Kan. She was born Jan. 8, 1936, in Glendale, Kan., to Merrill and Ruth (Brown) Smither. Shirley married Larry Lee Larson June 11, 1961, in Salina, Kan. Larry passed away June 14, 1978. She then married William Lorin “Bill” Janssen Nov. 1, 1986, in Great Bend, Kan. Bill died March 7, 2015.

Shirley, a resident of Great Bend since 1977, was a loving wife, mom, grandma and great grandma. She enjoyed bowling, baking, Christmas season shared with loved ones, and the companionship of her black lab puppy, Wesson. Above all, Shirley’s life passion was showing love and endless support to her family and friends, which was often demonstrated through the commitment of many hours of lessons and fellowship at the local bowling alley.   

Survivors include her children, Kimberly Klucas and husband Jim of Salina, Kan., Edward Larson and wife Janice of Bel Aire, Kan., Douglas Larson of Great Bend, and Kenneth Larson and wife Heidi, of Wichita, Kan.; daughter-in-law, Renee Larson of Great Bend; brother, Donald Smither and wife Iliene; grandchildren, Chad Shriver, Elisha Morris, Kristian Larson, Tyler Larson, Danielle Delgadillo, Heather Snapp, Brandon Blackburn, and 14 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husbands, Larry Larson and Bill Janssen; one brother, Merrill Smither, Jr.; and sister, Sandra Dyer.

Memorial services have been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Chaplain Guy Hannah presiding. A private family inurnment will be at Franklin Cemetery, Tescott, Kan., at a later date. The family has requested that funeral guests wear bowling or Christmas attire in memory of Shirley. Memorials may be given to the Shirley Janssen Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home 

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 4, 2024