Shirley Ruth Cornelius

Shirley Ruth Cornelius, 83, of Kansas City, Missouri, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. She was born on September 10, 1938, in Ava, Missouri, to Orville and Carrie (Wheeler) Stamper. On October 17, 1953, she married Sterling Roy Cornelius in Ava, Missouri. They were married 65 years and blessed with three daughters.

Shirley grew up on a farm, so she was no stranger to hard work. Once married, she at times worked outside the home, but her real gift was in taking care of her family whom she loved so dearly. Often, her husband’s job included traveling, she was right beside him, supporting him, and helping where she could. She loved family gatherings, holidays (especially Christmas), hunting, fishing, gardening, dominoes and playing pitch. She had a love for art and enjoyed tole painting, crocheting, and playing the organ in her free time. Shirley also had a love and reverence for nature and all God’s creatures. She once stated that she hoped she would be able to pet the lions and other animals in heaven.

Shirley was a truly kind generous soul, and a woman of faith. She will be missed by so many family members and friends that have been happy to know her and shared her life.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Sterling Roy Cornelius, her oldest daughter, Carey, and her husband, Roger Martin. As well as her parents, Orville and Carrie Stamper, brothers, Lawrence, Laymon, Arlie, Leslie, Jim and Ralph Stamper, and sisters, Margaret Matney and Audine Olson; as well as their husbands and wives.

She is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Jeanie (Barry) Gibson, Platte Woods, Missouri; and Sandy (Dan) Hultgren, Oakview, Missouri; Grandchildren, Stacy (Kelly) Sutherland-Hodge, DeLand, Florida; Karin Hodge, Hudson, Florida; Miranda Hodge, Dunedin, Florida; Melissa Godley, Kansas City, Missouri; Marie Godley, Kansas City, Missouri; Sarah (Allen) Reed, Oakview, Missouri; and Jenifer (Brant) Campbell, Kansas City, Missouri; as well as great-grandchildren, Kai Hodge (Tim Sticht), Isabella Hodge, Candice Sutherland-Hodge, Riley Sutherland-Hodge, Parker King, Trenton Reed, Spencer Reed and Kaelyn Campbell; and her surviving sister, Lotus Hart, Greeneville, Tennessee; in addition to many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM followed by a celebration of Shirley’s life at 11:00 AM, on Monday, December 13^th. The services will be held at Park Lawn Northland Chapel, 1640 N M-291 Hwy, Liberty, MO. Burial will follow in Glenridge Cemetery , 2450 B Hwy, B, Liberty, MO 64068.

Memorial Donations are suggested to the American Lung Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City, or Children’s Mercy Heart Transplant Program.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM followed by a celebration of Shirley’s life at 11:00 AM, on Monday, December 13. The services will be held at Park Lawn Northland Chapel, 1640 N M-291 Hwy, Liberty, MO. Burial will follow in Glenridge Cemetery , 2450 B Hwy, B, Liberty, MO 64068.