ADA CLAIRE EBAUGH SHIRK

November 21, 2011

Mrs. Ada Claire Ebaugh Shirk, age 95, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away to be with the Lord on November 21, 2011. Claire was born in McPherson, Kansas on July 2, 1916 to Clarence Goodman Ebaugh and Laretta Lydia Watson (Watson) Ebaugh. She attended the Centennial rural grade school and graduated from McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas in 1934. Claire was a good student and became a member of the National Honor Society. She was also a good athlete and excelled in the long jump events.Upon graduation from high school, Claire became a longtime employee of the Farmers Alliance Co. of McPherson, Kansas. It was there that she met her future husband, William S. Shirk, whom she married on June 21, 1940. Following their marriage, Claire became an employee of Gertrude M. Shirk, her mother-in-law, who was in the hotel and farming business. Claire managed Gertrude's businesses for many years, including the family owned McCourt Hotel in McPherson, Kansas.After the death of her husband in 1982, Claire became an active volunteer in the McPherson community. She was a member of the Senior Citizens organization, serving two terms as its board chairperson. She delivered Meals on Wheels, was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, and served in many community volunteer capacities over the years. One of her most enjoyable was the planning and organization of her high school class reunions. Twice a week for many years, she faithfully attended her aerobics class at the Senior Center. Claire was a member of Wheatland Baptist Church, McPherson, KS.Claire was a devoted wife and mother to her family. She was always there for her family or anyone else to help in any way that she could. She prepared meals, served on committees, organized events, provided transportation to appointments or church or just offered a kind word or prayer. Claire was a wonderful and giving person and her family will miss her dearly.Claire was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Mary G. Shirk; a sister, Anna Ellen Reed; and brothers John M., and Clarence (Vic).Surviving members of her family include her sons George M. (Carol) of Wichita, Kansas and William S. (Jan) of Salina, Kansas; a brother, Max Ebaugh of Wichita, Kansas; 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.Friends are invited to call on Sunday, November 27, 2011 from 1 pm to 5 pm with the family present from 3 pm to 5pm at Glidden Ediger Funeral Home, McPherson, Kansas.Funeral service will be at Glidden Ediger Funeral Home, McPherson, Kansas at 10:00 a.m. on Monday November 28, 2001. Pastor Terry Post of Wheatland Baptist Church, will be presiding.Private Burial will be in McPherson Cemetery McPherson, Kansas.Memorials are suggested to the Wheatland Baptist Church, McPherson, Kansas in care of the Glidden - Ediger Funeral Home; 222 West Euclid Street; McPherson, Kansas 67460.