Shirley Ellis

Shirley Pieratt-Ellis passed away Wednesday May 13th, 2015 in Joplin, MO. She was born November 9, 1931 near Casey, IA to John and Ruby Wilkerson. The family then moved to the Rich Hill, Missouri area where Shirley grew up before moving to Kansas City. She graduated from Rich Hill High School in 1949. She began a lifelong career working briefly for Bell Telephone (ATandT) and then as supervisor at the waferfab department for Western Electric (Lucent) in Lee's Summit MO, retiring after 29 years of meritorious service. Shirley married Harley H. Pieratt on July 6, 1951 in Kansas City. They were blessed with one daughter, Linda Ann, and twin sons, Lyle Ren, and Leon Phillip. They were later divorced. Harley passed away in 1991. In 1988, she married Keith Ellis. He preceded her in death in 1996. She lived and worked in Kansas City and Lee's Summit for many years before moving to Joplin, MO. She had many hobbies, including gardening, painting, and enjoying all types of music. She was a lifelong fan of both the Royals and Chiefs. She was loved and admired by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by a son, Leon Phillip and daughter, Linda Ann. She is survived by her son, Lyle Ren Pieratt, of San Francisco, CA, and all 8 of her brothers and sisters: Juanita Wilkerson of Joplin, John Dale Wilkerson and wife Ruth of Kansas City, Dixie Springer and husband Leon of Joplin, Ken Wilkerson and wife Dixie of Independence, MO, Bill Wilkerson and wife Kay of Pleasanton, KS, Evelyn Roberts and husband Steve of Panama City Beach, FL, Karen Stephan and husband Duane of Marietta, GA, and Terry Wilkerson and wife Denise of Olathe, KS. There are numerous nieces and nephews. The Reverend Oliver W. (Bill) Hawk will conduct the memorial service at 11AM, Friday May 22 at the First Baptist Church of Pleasanton in Pleasanton, Kansas. The family suggest contributions to the Saint Luke's Foundation at 4225 Baltimore Avenue Kansas City, MO 64111. Online condolences may be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com. Arrangements: Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel.

Service Information

Friday, May 22nd, 2015 11:00am, Pleasanton First Baptist Church

Interment Details