Shirley Ann Nieder

Funeral Mass for Shirley Nieder, 93, of Lawrence, Kansas will be held on Monday April 21, 2025 at St. John the Evangelist Church at 10:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Shirley passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on April 15, 2025.

Shirley was born on September 8, 1931 in Kansas City, Missouri to Carl and Helen (Taggert) Eicks.  She grew up in Kansas City and attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City where she was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Beta Omega Chapter.  The Beta Omega chapter has been active in Kansas City for a long time with a history of notable events like the Debutante ball. She married and moved to Lawrence where she served as President of the Alpha Gamma chapter in 1962.

While raising two daughters Shirley worked at night typing dissertations for KU students. In the early sixties while her daughters were attending St. John’s school, she took the position of track secretary under Bob Timmons and later became the Administrative Assistant in the Athletics Business office until she retired after 37 years of service. She was a lifelong Kanas Jayhawk sports fan. After retirement she became involved in volunteer work and took a position as a volunteer at LMH Health for 12 years. Shirley also loved to go to the lake where she enjoyed water skiing and boating with her family. She later became an active Motocross fan and traveled the Midwest region with her daughter to watch her grandsons’ races.

Shirley was proceeded in death by her husband Cliff, both of her parents, and her sister, Mary Jane Eason. Survivors include two daughters Kathleen Sheldon (Frank), Kristine Craig (Mike) four grandchildren (Megan, Andrew (Amy), Devin, David) and one great granddaughter (Piper). Shirley loved her home and her family – her priorities in life.  She was dearly loved, and we feel a deep sense of emptiness with her passing.

Memorial Donations in Shirley’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital and be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.