Shirley Jo. Ladner, age 71 of Appleton City, Missouri, died July 30, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield Missouri. She was born in La Jolla, California, on February 10, 1954, to Joseph and Betty Smith.
After moving from California, she joined her parents and sister Stephanie Piper on the family farm in Flemington Missouri. She graduated from Weaubleau High School in Weaubleau Missouri, as valedictorian of her class.
Shirley wore many hats. In the business field, she was an accountant and a tax preparer. In the health field, she worked as a home health aide, and a CNA. She was a diplomat of grain sales between the United States, and Mexico.
Shirley was a member of the Church of Christ and loved being a part of her church family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Betty Smith, her grandparents, her husband Bobby Ladner, her son Stephen Anderton, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Shirley is survived by her sister, Stephanie Piper (Kevin Minor Sr.) of Appleton City, Missouri. Her nieces, Jennifer Stephens (Dustin) of Lowry City, Missouri, Julie Drake (Larry) of Osceola, Missouri. Her nephew, Justin Piper (Rebecca) of Chicago Illinois. Her stepdaughter, Laura West of Kansas. Great nieces, Tiffany Piper of Knob Noster, Missouri, Morgan Walden of Warrensburg, Missouri, Amber Walden, of Osceola, Missouri, Cecilia Piper, of Chicago Illinois, Dusty Braun, of Appleton City, Missouri. Two great-great-nieces, Jada Callaway, of Knob Noster, Missouri, and Brylee Ann Brown, of Knob Noster, Missouri. Great nephews, Gary Eaton, of Appleton City, Missouri and Duncan Piper, of Chicago Illinois. Great-great-nephews, Keshawn Calloway, of Knob Noster, Missouri, Bryce Lee Eaton, of Appleton City, Missouri, Karter Braun, of Appleton City, Missouri, Milum Minor, of Knob Noster, Missouri, and Gavin Lee Eaton, of Appleton City, Missouri.
Shirley had a lot of family and friends, who were all loved by her. She adored her dog Winston, whom she showered with love and treats.
Shirley was always there with a hug, a smile, and a helping hand. She had a big heart and a loving soul.
She will be missed but not forgotten.
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