Shirley A. Beets

On February 15, 2020, Shirley Ann Beets passed away at the age of 84. Shirley was born in Axtell, KS on October 29, 1935 to her parents Anthony F. Spielman and Josephine B. Spielman. She was the oldest of 4 children with two sisters – Betty and Nancy, and a brother Don Spielman. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband David, daughter Kimberly, mother Josie, father Tony, and sister Betty.

Shirley is survived by her children Denise (Kenny) Kneedler, Stacy (Todd) Kudron, Steve (Johanna) Beets, Mark Beets, Randy (Patti) Young, Robin Beets, Lori (Joe Wayne) Radford, Brenda (Joe) Johnston, Brent (Kimberly) Beets, sister Nancy Severin and brother Don Spielman.

Shirley graduated from Oneida Rural High School in 1954 where she played basketball. One of her favorite stories to tell was when she made a basket from half court. Some other stories included milking the cows every day and stacking hay with her dad.

She had 5 children, Kimberly and Denise, from her first marriage, then went on to marry David A. Beets on February 19, 1970 and had 3 more children, Stacy, Steve and Mark. Upon this marriage she also became a stepmother of 5 – Randy, Robin, Lori, Brenda and Brent. Her large family blessed her with lots of grandchildren, even more great grandchildren and even some great great grandchildren over the last few years.

When she moved to Kansas City, she worked at Kansas City Life Insurance, and then worked at GMAC. When GMAC moved to Chicago she chose to do what she loved the most and take care of babies. She started an in home day care and throughout the years worked in other church nurseries and daycares. She was the director of the nursery at Blue Ridge Bible Church and provided nursery and childcare services at school programs for Blue Ridge Christian School for many years. She was also a custodian at BRCS which helped her three youngest children get through school. She was determined to keep them at BRCS and did whatever she could to make that happen. She loved the church, school and families so much she stayed on years after her children had all graduated.

Shirley was a selfless woman always doing what she could to help others and doing whatever was necessary to support her family. If she wasn’t watching babies or cleaning bathrooms she was making cakes and/or cream cheese mints for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, etc. She was also the “Block” mom of 109th Street in Ruskin Heights. Our house was open to everyone. She would feed you; house you, whatever you needed. She was there for all that needed her.

She loved watching her kids activities, whether it was sports, band recitals, you name it she enjoyed it. She continued to enjoy her grandkids sports and other school activities as well.

Unfortunately, over the last 8 or so years she fell victim to multiple strokes, type 2 diabetes, and some dementia. Eventually, the strokes took a toll on her body leaving her unable to walk or stand on her own; her short term memory was diminished. She suffered from infections and other ailments that would cause her confusion but oddly enough, it was during these bouts of confusion that she would be right back there taking care of babies and needing to get the bathrooms cleaned at Blue Ridge before school the next day. It was during these times that sometimes we got to see a brief glimpse of mom and as strange as it was she was able to carry on a conversation even though it was about past experiences.

The biggest blessing is she is no longer in pain. She was loved by all and will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be 6-8PM, Thursday, February 20 and services will be 3PM, Friday, February 21, both at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd.; burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be 6-8PM, Thursday, February 20 and services will be 3PM, Friday, February 21, both at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd.; burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.