Shirley Whitener

Shirley Nadine Whitener, 68, of Topeka, passed away Monday, March 10, 2008 at St. Francis Health Center.

Shirley was born November 14, 1939 in Waverly, the daughter of L D and Louise Meyer Michael.   She graduated from Waverly High School in 1957 and was a graduate of Stewart Beauty Academy.

She was a hairdresser for various salons in Topeka before she began working in the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.  Shirley retired in 2000 which allowed her time to spend with her loving grandchildren.

Shirley was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church.

She was married to Ray Whitener in 1961 in Topeka.  They later divorced.

Survivors include; two daughters, Karen Snell and her husband Bruce of Topeka, Kelli Bodenheimer and her husband Craig of Topeka, one son, Jason Whitener and his wife Tonia of Olathe, three brothers, Gerald Michael and his wife Roberta of Emporia, Paul Michael and his wife Louise of Topeka, George Michael and his wife Joyce of Warrensburg, MO and one sister, Mary Lou McPhail and her husband Gary of Topeka.  Eight grandchildren; Tyler Snell, Cody Snell, Nick Morley, Austin Snell, Erin Bornemeier, Brittany Bodenheimer, Casey Bodenheimer, and Joshua John-Paul Whitener also survive.  A brother Jack Michael preceded her in death in 2007.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Matthew Catholic Church.  Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Waverly Cemetery.  Shirley will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. today at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  A parish rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home following the visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Capital Campaign and sent in care of the church, 2700 SE Virginia, Topeka, 66605.

Online condolences may be made to www.brennanmathenafh.com