Shirley Velma Maier, 87, passed away May 16, 2026, at River Bend Assisted Living, Great Bend, Kan. She was born Dec. 22, 1938, in Great Bend, to Wilhelm and Olinda (Schwartzkopf) Popp. She married Robert H. Maier June 1, 1958, in Great Bend. He passed away Dec. 22, 2017.

Shirley was a Hoisington High School class of 1956 graduate. She obtained her business degree at Brown Mackie School of Business and, in 1957, started working for John Poos at Poos and Monroe as an administrative assistant. She then continued that role for Kennedy and Coe, First National Bank, CPI, and BMI before retiring in 2003. She was a faithful member of St. Mark Lutheran Church where she served as treasurer and a leader of the women’s group. She also served as the secretary/treasurer of the Schoenfeld Cemetery committee. Shirley was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3111 Auxiliary and held membership with the American Legion Auxiliary 180. She was an avid bowler and competed in 19 National Tournaments.

Survivors include numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband of 59 years; brother, Vernon Popp; sisters, Delores (DeWald) Hanhardt, LoRee Dietz, and Theresa Dietz.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Reverend Adam Wutka presiding. Burial will follow at Great Bend Cemetery North. Visitation is available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with family receiving from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials may be made out to St. Mark Lutheran Church or Kans for Kids, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530. 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, May 19, 2026