HEATH, Shirley Arlene (Barker) - b. June 17, 1949 - d. March 15, 2017

[patyrn]

Shirley Arlene Heath, age 67, of Longton, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2017 in Sedan, Kansas.  She was born June 17, 1949 in Iola, Kansas, the daughter of Charles and Peggy (Schaeffer) Barker.

On April 20, 1969, Shirley married Robert Heath in Tacoma, Washington.  They later divorced.  Shirley earned her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Allen County Community College in Iola, Kansas and went to work as a nurse at ArkHaven Nursing Home in Iola.  She was also a proud veteran of the United States Army as a Corpsman Medic where she used her nursing skills during the Vietnam War assisting and treating soldiers as they came back to the United States after fighting overseas.

Shirley was known for being set in her ways.  However, she was a good listener and had a kind and considerate attitude toward others.  She gave freely and was generous with what little she had.  During her free time, she loved to travel and camp and spend time with her children and grandchildren who were her pride and joy.  She also enjoyed watching fireworks during 4th of July celebrations and looking at flowers and butterflies.

Shirley is survived by her children, Charlene Delgado of Ocala, Florida, Candida Wise (Mark) of Wichita, Kansas, Robert Heath II (Debbie) of LeMoore, California, and Amy Heath (William Beougher) of Longton, Kansas; her sister, Brenda Beaver of LaCrosse, Kansas; her uncle, Sterling Barker of Moran, Kansas; and 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Donna Wyckoff and Debra Karr.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Longton Cemetery in Longton, Kansas.  Memorials have been suggested to the Elk County Food Pantry or the Disabled American Veterans and may be left with or mailed to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349 which is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.countrysidefh.com.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)