Shirley A. Spate

Shirley Ann Spate, 90, of Lindsborg, KS, passed away peacefully at Bethany Home in Lindsborg, on August 24, 2026.

Shirley was born on August 30, 1935, in Topeka, KS, the daughter of Vernon C. and Virginia Louise (Ikenberry) Rhoades. Two years later, the family was joined by a younger sister, Donna. The family spent Shirley’s early years not only in Kansas, but also in the Washington D.C. area, before moving to Rocky Ford, CO, where the family settled long-term.

Shirley attended Rocky Ford High School. Shirley enjoyed music, took piano lessons for many years, and enjoyed singing and participating in choirs and ensembles. After finishing high school, Shirley attended McPherson College in McPherson, KS, and completed an education degree. While home for the summer after her college sophomore year, Shirley started dating her future husband, John Frederick “Fred” Spate, who soon after also enrolled at McPherson College. On June 8, 1958, Shirley and Fred were married in a double wedding ceremony, with her sister, Donna, and brother-in-law, Dale Shenefelt.

Shirley taught 3rd grade at Canton, KS, for three years while Fred finished his degree. The couple then returned to Rocky Ford. They were blessed with the arrival of three children: Carolyn (1962), Stanley (1964) and Brian (1966). Sadly, Fred passed away a few years later in an accident in 1971. Shirley then turned her primary attention to raising the young family herself, with support of other extended family that lived nearby.

Shirley was very involved in the Rocky Ford Church of the Brethren, serving as church organist and a piano accompanist for over 30 years. She gave piano lessons out of her home for many years, and accompanied for a number of community organizations. In addition to her love for music, she loved flowers and plants and was part of the local garden club. Shirley served as a volunteer for Meals-on-Wheels, and was a den mother for cub scouts when her sons were young. She had a gentle and nurturing personality, and a sweet smile. She had a strong faith and loved God. She valued Bible study and her Bible included many notations in the margins. Shirley enjoyed traveling and was able to take a number of trips over the years, most often to visit family.

Shirley moved to Lindsborg, KS, in 2009. She lived in an apartment in the Bethany Home Cottages and enjoyed going to the Lindsborg Senior Center regularly for lunch on weekdays. She later moved to Bethany Home in November 2021. She made friends there among the staff and residents, and was known for her love of music. Numerous friends and caregivers at Bethany Home have mentioned they enjoyed hearing her singing and humming.

Shirley is survived by her sister, Donna Shenefelt, of Ames, IA; her children, Carolyn (Dan) Masterson of Lindsborg, KS, Stan (Jan) Spate of Evergreen, CO, and Brian (Holly) Spate of Plano, TX; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, her parents, and brother-in-law, Dale Shenefelt.

A celebration of life service is planned for Friday, October 16, at 11:00 a.m. at the McPherson Church of the Brethren, McPherson, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Bethany Home, the Lindsborg Senior Center, or the McPherson Church of the Brethren in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.