Shirley was born and raised in Hastings, Nebraska and spent her adult life in Nebraska, Colorado, Missouri and most recently Kansas. Shirley spent much of her working career in the food service business, ultimately filling a position as Director of Food Service for the junior colleges in Colby and Garden City, Kansas. A highlight of her career was being appointed to head a food service entourage, catering a special congressional committee at the Oklahoma state capital. She loved baking—especially confectionary treats and decorating wedding cakes. Doing this for family members and local clients gave her great satisfaction. Shirley had a keen eye for antiques and had her own shop in Lexington, Nebraska; byrde lead crystal pieces were one of her most prized possessions. Some of her other pastimes included crocheting, knitting, tatting, bird watching and gardening. She loved the farm and especially the animals; she seemed to be in her element sitting in the center of the hen house with chickens on her head and shoulders and clucking back to them. She devoted her time to the animal shelter in Hays, Kansas by giving less fortunate animals another chance. She leaves behind their beloved dogs Gracie and Daisy; it's obvious they both miss her dearly. Shirley is much anticipating the coming spring as "from her vantage point from heaven above," she will witness the blooming of 400 + Holland tulip bulbs that Dennis recently planted in their front terrace. It will be the celebration of the cycle of new life and the love that she and Dennis continue to share.

God Bless you Sis!

She is survived by her husband of fifteen years Dennis Wilson of Oakley, son Brian Willis of Polo, Missouri, 4 grandchildren, her mother Grethel (Janssen) Forsman and step-father Norbert Forsman, both residing in Hastings, NE; siblings Sandra Williams and Patricia (Melvin) Williams of Grand Island, NE, Jerry Borrell of Lincoln, NE and Stanley Borrell of Broomfield, CO; step-sisters, Carol Aden of Cortland, NE, Theresa Forsman of Bloomfield, NJ, Rebecca Janning of Port Ludlow, WA, and Brenda Kramer of Lincoln, NE. Step-son Scott (Dana) Wilson, stepdaughters: Jodi Wilson and Tania (Darius) Diederich, all of Gardner, KS, Suzanne Wilson of Phoenix, AZ, 6 step-grandchildren, and 8 brothers and sisters-in-law.

She is preceded in death by her father Samuel Borrell and a granddaughter.

Memorial Service and celebration of Shirley's life will be officiated by Reverend Bob Kelly and commence at 2pm CST on Monday January 21, 2013, Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, 217 Freeman Avenue, Oakley, KS 67748.

Oakley – Shirley JoAnn Wilson, age 70, died January 16, 2013 at the Logan County Manor, Oakley. She was born January 21, 1942 in Hastings, NE to Samuel and Grethel (Janssen) Borrell. She married Dennis L. Wilson on December 19, 1997 in Wray, Colorado. She was a homemaker and food supervisor at several colleges and DSNWK.

Survivors – husband, Dennis Wilson of the home; son Brian Willis of Polo, MO, mother Grethel (Norbert) Forsman of Hastings, NE, brothers Stan Borrell of Broomfield, CO and Jerry Borrell of Lincoln, NE, sisters Sandy Williams and Patricia (Melvin) Williams, all of Grand Island, NE, four grandchildren, and six step-grandchildren. Also survived by stepson Scott (Dana) Wilson of Windsor, CO, stepdaughters Jodi Wilson and Tania (Darius) Diedrich of Gardner, and Suzanne Wilson of Phoenix, AZ. Brothers and sisters-in-law Larry and Louise Wilson of St. Francis, Ronn and Marletta Wilson of Cimarron, Alvin and Doris Hickox of San Antonio, NM, and Bob and Phyllis Wood of Burlington, CO.

Preceded: by her father Sam and granddaughter Samantha Willis.

Memorial service 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 21 at Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home. No visitation.

Memorials to Shirley Wilson Memorial Fund in care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, PO Box 221, Oakley 67748. www.kennedykosterfh.com