Shirley Ann Brinkman, age 90, of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, March 4, 2023.
Shirley was born on June 26, 1932, in Coffeyville, Kansas to Fremont and Elizabeth (Grubbs) Stark. She grew up in South Coffeyville where she attended school and graduated from Lenapah High School.
On August 30, 1951, she married John Brinkman in Coffeyville, Kansas. The couple made their home in South Coffeyville, Oklahoma where they raised their daughter, Diane. John preceded her in death on August 26, 2013.
Shirley worked for the First National Bank in Coffeyville as a bookkeeper for many years. She later worked at one of the local grocery stores, Elmore's IGA. She then worked for the USD 445 Food Service where she made several lifelong friendships with the other food service ladies. After more than 25 years of service to her community, she retired on May 23, 2012. Her friendly smile and kindness to others had an impact on people young and old.
Shirley was an avid reader, she enjoyed all kinds of books and reading the newspaper to keep up with current events. For the majority of her life, she participated in Coffeyville's annual Relay for Life; Shirley herself was a breast cancer survivor. On Tuesdays and Thursdays you would find Shirley amongst her teammates and friends competing in the local bowling league. Many times, throughout the years, she went to state bowling tournaments; even winning the state doubles championship with her niece. Many shenanigans and laughs were had with her bowling gals. She loved bowling alongside her sister, Pat, and daughter, Diane and the many close friends she made throughout the years on the various teams she was a part of. Shirley also enjoyed shopping trips, relaxing while watching her hummingbirds, attending as many of the grandkids and great grandkids sporting events and activities that she could and most of all spending time with the people she cared about. Shirley loved seeing her family grow and enjoyed every moment she spent with them.
Surviving to cherish her memory are her daughter, Diane Benson and husband, Bryan of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Becky Henry, Tyler Benson, Lindsey Brewster, CW Benson; great-grandchildren, Gracelynn Henry, Mercy Henry, Allie Jones, Parker Benson, Austin Foster, Syan Foster, Caleb Raffensperger, Chasity Raffensperger; brother, Jim Stark of Norton, Kansas; sister, Pat Watts of Coffeyville, Kansas; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives and close friends.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Fremont and Elizabeth Stark; her loving husband, John Brinkman; and a sister, Shelba Stark.
Following Shirley's wishes, cremation will take place under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville.
Prior to cremation a visitation with viewing will be held for Shirley's friends and family on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family will be present to greet friends on Thursday evening at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to the Coffeyville Relay for Life; these may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline Rd., Coffeyville, KS 67337.
To leave a condolence for the family online, visit www.dwbfh.com
