Shirley Jo VanSickle was born December 2, 1956, in Emporia, the daughter of Max D. and Emily W. (Zabel) VanSickle. She graduated from Osage City High School.

She was a para educator in Osage City and Emporia.

She was joined in marriage to Donald Frank Stair on June 2, 2012, in Emporia.

Shirley will be forever remembered by her husband, Donald; daughter, Jessie Helms of Olathe; son, Benjamin Helms of Emporia; sister, Beverly K. Smith of Topeka; two brothers, Douglas L. VanSickle of Memphis, Tennessee and Michael A. VanSickle of Osage City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, David K. VanSickle.

Celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 19, 2025, at VanArsdale Funeral Chapel in Osage City. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association and sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. Sixth, Osage City, KS 66523. Condolences may be at vanarsdalefs.com .