Shirley Diane Strange

Shirley Diane Griffin Strange, 81, passed away surrounded by family on August 12th, 2023 at her family home in Liberty, Missouri. Shirley was born at home in Excelsior Springs on November 12th, 1941 to her parents Bessie Mae King Griffin and Arvil Elroy Griffin, Sr.

Shirley originally attended a one-room schoolhouse named Washington School northwest of Excelsior Springs, Mo, before transferring and graduating at Lawson, Mo. During her high school years, Shirley was involved in many school-related activities, including being Homecoming Queen during her senior year. 

Shirley and Don originally met on a blind date at a bowling alley thanks to a few mutual friends. Shortly thereafter, Shirley and Don were united in marriage at Arley United Methodist Church on May 20th, 1960. Together, they celebrated 63 years of love, laughter, and travel. 

Shirley and Don welcomed two children to their home. While raising their children, Shirley tended her gardens, bowled, and golfed. Twenty-one years after graduation from high school, Shirley attended Maple Woods College and received an associate degree in business. After gaining her degree, Shirley became an Office Manager with a license in insurance at American Family Insurance with her husband, Don. Shirley and Don retired in December 2004, however, Shirley kept her insurance license active to aid other agents until the age of 80. During her time at American Family Insurance, Shirley aided Don by assisting him in achieving and qualifying for All American Status at twenty-eight different leadership conferences and national conventions throughout the country. Together, Shirley and Don traveled North America together, always taking a little extra time to golf at their destination. 

Shirley is most known for her dedication to Square Dancing, bowling, golfing, and gardening. Shirley and Don spent over 35 years participating in Square Dance Conventions, Clubs, and Dances throughout the United States. Shirley also partook on the leadership team including the position of President (two terms), Vice President (four terms), and other office leadership roles. Shirley and Don danced in multiple clubs throughout the years including the Shooting Stars, the Do-see Doers, the Swangers, and the Harmony Dancers. Over the years, Shirley and Don attended over twenty-two National Square Dance Conventions and served at least half of the conventions as the National Delegate for Heart of the American Federation of Square and Round Dancers. 

Shirley was also prominent in the bowling and golfing community. Shirley was a conference bowler and bowled in three leagues regularly with an average above 190. She went on to win first (1st) place at the Diamond Award Tournament based in Kansas City, Mo. Shirley also dedicated her time to multiple women's golfing leagues throughout the northland and a Greater Kansas City Ladies Association league that traveled throughout the Kansas City region. 

Shirley spent most of her days, when not golfing, bowling, and square dancing, outside in her garden. She tended to her flowers, vegetables, fruit, shrubbery, and trees daily. It seemed she was always buying one more tree to add to her expansive collection. 

Shirley is proceeded in death by her parents, Arvil Elroy Griffin, Sr., Bessie Mae King, and her brother, Arvil Elroy Griffin, Jr. Shirley is survived by her husband of 63 years, Donald R. Strange of Liberty, Mo; her children: Barbara R. Strange Bowers (Mike Bowers) of Liberty, Mo, and Brad R. Strange of Liberty, Mo; grandchildren; Nicholas E. Bowers (Alicia Loughrey) of Liberty, Mo, and Kimberly R. Bowers of Liberty, Mo. Surviving family includes Bill Griffin (Linda Hayward) of Missouri City, Mo,  Judy Griffin Moore (Leonard Moore) of Gravois Mills, Mo, Betsy Griffin Moore (Robert Moore- deceased) of Excelsior Springs, Mo, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

 Visitation and Services will be held at Liberty United Methodist Church located at 1001 Sunset Ave, Liberty, MO 64068. The visitation for Shirley will be held on Friday, August 18th from 6:30-8 pm. The funeral service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, August 19th. A graveside service will follow at South Point Cemetery in Orrick Missouri located at Bruns Rd, Orrick, MO 64077. 

It is requested for those attending services dress in business casual attire for the comfort of the expected heat. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Stroke Association and the American Diabetes Association. The family wishes to send their gratitude to the doctors and nursing staff at St. Luke's Neuroscience Institute and The Ascend Hospice company.