Obituary: Marilyn L. Zur Buchen Shireman

Marilyn L. Zur Buchen Shireman, 87, passed away on December 11, 2016 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO after a brief illness.  She was born in Walnut, KS to John Frederich Zur Buchen and Inez May Kennedy Zur Buchen on December 15, 1928.
She attended Pleasant View Elementary School near Walnut KS, then graduated from Walnut High School in 1946.  She graduated from Kansas State Teachers College, Pittsburg, in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree. She was the first person in her family to graduate from college.
She married John E. “Jack” Shireman on August 21, 1949 in the Walnut Methodist Church, Walnut, KS.  He preceded her in death in 2012.  They had four children, all of whom survive.  They are John F. “Rick” Shireman, and his wife, Sarah Craighead of Bowling Green, KY; Marilyn Beth Montgomery and her husband Ed of Topeka, KS; Dana Denise Myers and her husband Donnie, also of Topeka, KS; and Ruth Anne Duling and her husband Dan of Girard, KS.  Jack and Marilyn were blessed with eight grandchildren. They are Matthew, Brian, and Andrew Montgomery; Rick and Courtney Peterson; and Meredith Duling Reid and her husband Jason, Natalie Duling, and John Duling.  All survive except Andrew Montgomery, who preceded her in death in 1999.  Marilyn is also survived by one brother-in-law, Charles S. “Steve” Shireman and his wife Marjorie of Walnut, KS, an aunt, Alice Zur Buchen of Spearville, KS, two nieces, four nephews and numerous cousins.  She was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Capt.  Richard H. “Dick” Shireman Jr., USN and his wife Thora Faye.
After her marriage, Marilyn taught high school English in Alva OK, junior high English in Girard, KS, and high school English in Erie, KS.  After her children were born, Marilyn continued to substitute teach in local schools, and taught G.E.D. courses in Girard.
Marilyn was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and a life member of the Order of Eastern Star, first in Walnut KS and later in Erie KS, Chapter #136.  She was a member of the International Chapter P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter BG in Girard, KS, where she served as chaplain for many years.  She served on the Girard Library Board and was a member of AARP and the Retired Teachers Association.  Marilyn was an avid bridge player, and was a member of the Score Times and Hi-Low Clubs.  She was an honorary graduate of Girard High School, USD # 248, and was active in many local organizations in Girard KS for the past 48 years.
Services for Marilyn Shireman will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, December 15, at the United Methodist Church in Girard with Reverend Dallas Peterson officiating.  Burial will follow in the Girard Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 7 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 14, at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard where friends may call after 1 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Girard Alumni Association John E. Shireman and Marilyn Zur Buchen Shireman Memorial Scholarship Fund for Girard High School Graduates or to the Girard United Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent to www.wallfuneralservices.com.