June Shenk Mayer

Services are pending for June Shenk Mayer, 84, Lawrence. She passed away April 3, 2021 at Monterey Village Senior Living.

June was born on January 26, 1937 in Kansas City, Missouri the daughter of Joe J. and Helen (Thomas) Shenk.

June married Dr. Lawrence A. Mayer on June 7, 1957 in Prairie Village, Kansas. He preceded her in death on August 14, 2008.

Survivors include her twin sister, Jean (Eldon) Miller, St. Louis, Missouri; her children, Cynthia (Ted) Thompson, Lawrence, David (Sally) Mayer, Lawrence, Michael (Nesreen) Mayer, Orange Park, Florida; seven grandchildren, Lindsay Pannell, Andrew & Zackary Thompson, Erin & Allison Mayer, Hannah & Isaac Mayer, Kayla Bowers and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, Janice Pabodie.

June attended grade school in Merriam, KS. She graduated from Shawnee Mission High School in 1955. She attended Kansas State University where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She worked for TWA as a statistical illustrator to help her husband through dental school. When the family moved to Lawrence in 1963, June was a homemaker and later helped run her husband’s dental business.

June was a folk artist who enjoyed taking and teaching painting classes at Jan’s Tole Shop in Topeka, KS for many years. She loved spending time with her painting friends. Her hobby became a small side business as June and Larry worked together to create artwork, instructional books, and kits. She also enjoyed sewing, knitting, and reading on her Kindle. She was an excellent cook and holiday hostess, had a goofy sense of humor, and was a master at making a short story long. June will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to The Arthritis Foundation and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

3 Condolences

  1. Julie (Larson) Rea and Danny, too on April 7, 2021 at 4:32 am

    Cindy and Ted and family: So sorry about the loss of your mom, Cindy. Losing your mom is such a huge part of who you are and have been. Draw close to each other with memories of her. My condolences and prayers for your comfort.



  2. Betty & Mark Currie on April 8, 2021 at 10:11 pm

    Cindy & Ted and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you grieve the loss of Cindy’s precious mother, June. May God wrap his loving arms around your family as you grieve the loss of her on this earth. May the wonderful memories of her give you comfort and peace during this difficult time! With deepest empathy! Mark & Betty Currie



  3. Ann Alexander on April 10, 2021 at 10:39 am

    June and her family were my neighbors in Merriam, KS. My parents would tell stories about the Shenk girls, walking to school, would come to their backdoor through the Frazier house to say good morning. Then out the front door and on their way to school. June and her sisters were my babysitters. June and I living in Lawrence, continued our friendship doing crafts, enjoying our dachshunds, and going for a meal. June enjoyed telling people, she was my babysitter. Taking them by surprise, wondering why I needed a babysitter. And then she would say, not now, that was years ago. And get a kick out of her little joke! Sending peace and joy of memories to her wonderful family.



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