Shirley Anne “Smoll” Schilling
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Shirley Mack Schilling, 96, died peacefully September 9, 2024 at The Arbors at Monterey Village in Lawrence, Kansas. She was born Shirley Ann (she added the ‘e’ later) Smoll on April 12, 1928, in Wichita, Kansas. She was the youngest of five boys and two girls born to Allen Elwood and Bernice Fuller Smoll. After graduating from Wichita North High School in 1946 she attended Southwestern College in Winfield for two years before transferring to K-State. There, while working as a soda jerk, she met Willis Myron Mack. She used to put his drink down hard so his soda foamed up and he’d have to stay longer, waiting for it to settle. They were married October 28, 1950, and had four children. They divorced in 1989.
On March 23, 2001, Shirley married Dan Schilling, a widower and former classmate. For 16 years they entertained friends and family, gardened together, served and worshipped at Shawnee United Methodist Church, hosted Bible studies and had many traveling adventures.
Shirley loved God, life, people–and hot black coffee. Foreign exchange students, co-workers, neighbors, friends, her children and extended family, as well as others God brought across her path, were blessed by her servant heart. She chauffeured on trips and tours; she could demonstrate and teach a variety of skills; she’d readily give food, flowers and produce from her gardens and kitchen. Shirley also enjoyed crafting original gifts of fabric and stained-glass. She fully invested her time and energy, generous in all her endeavors, whether homemaking, raising her kids, or involvement in various school, church and community groups during her lifetime. She was a member of the Shawnee United Methodist Church, the Alpha Xi Delta sorority and Chapter JO of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
We are thankful for the patient, loving and compassionate attention given by The Arbors staff while she lived in Lawrence, both for respite stays and, especially, while she was a full resident the last five months.
Preceding her in death were Dan on Dec 3, 2016; Willis Mack on September 20, 2017; her parents, siblings and great-grandson Joshua Lange. She is survived by her children James Mack (Alexandre Do Mack) of West Sacramento, CA; Toby Mack (Nancy) of Sacramento, CA; Lori Lange (Mark) of Lawrence, KS; and Richard Mack (Kay) of Centennial, CO; 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. with visitation at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 27, 2024 at Shawnee United Methodist Church, 10700 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS. Livestream and recorded service available at ShawneeUMC.org.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse or a charity of your choice in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W 13th St., Lawrence, KS 66044.
Tom and I offer the family our condolences. We celebrate the life of or wonderful neighbor of over 20 years. Shirley was so kind, patient and loving. We thank God for the friendship and fun times we shared with Shirley 😍
I offer sympathy and condolences to Shirley’s family. I first met her at the Alpha Xi Delta house at Kansas State University in 1950 and have been close friends ever since regardless of where we were. I will always cherish her kind , loving, and loyal friendship we had these many years.
It’s been a true blessing seeing the loving bond between Shirley and her daughter, Lori. Shirley was quiet the last few years I saw her at PEO meetings but always had a sweet smile. I’m sure she was blessed by Lori’s true devotion. My Prayers for the Peace and Comfort of the Holy Spirit for Lori and all the family
God Speed Shirley, we will miss you!
Lori—I have many fond memories of time spent with you and your mother, in Overland Park, Linwood, and Wichita. She was a beautiful, gracious, and devout woman of God. She and your dad raised four great children. Prayers for all of you!
She certainly had a full life and impacted so many people. The world needs more people like her. RIP
Lori & family..I was reading this beautifully constructed obituary and thinking, “what a special soul this woman apparently possessed with such a servant heart”. Then I discovered that she was your Momma! This drew a tear to my eyes as I hurt for your loss, but also for the joy in reading of what a special daughter you’ve been to her. You truly exude the sweet characteristics described of her!
My deepest sympathy in your loss. I trust that Jesus will cover you with His comfort and grace, mercy and peace as you & your family traverse the difficult journey forward.
Sending lots of love and sympathy to Lori and her beautiful family who cherished her mother’s/their grandmothers extraordinary life.
She will be deeply missed. May she rest in peace……
I am so grateful for the many years of companionship my Dad had with Shirley in his later life, and also to her children for embracing him into your family so completely. I send my sincere condolences and prayers for comfort and peace during this time of mourning. Now, may Shirley be embraced in joy by God in Heaven; resting in His eternal love.
Lori,
I was so saddened to hear the loss of your mother. Shirley always had a smile on her face when she came in to see me. One of the kindest people I have known. She will be so very missed. Prayers to you and your family.
Lori and family
We remember the day we first met Shirley Mack (back then) back in 1990 when she lived in that house on the end of Ogg rd at the park
We refinished some old hardwood floors in there for her and from that time forward we became friends for over 25 years
We enjoyed her company very much
We cut a lot of wood together for the wood stoves we both had and a loaf of fresh bread she would make to eat on
She was the most kindest giving person I have ever known. Always had a smile on her face and ready to lend a hand if someone needed help.
We will me her terribly
Lori,
My mother and I will remember Shirley and what a ray of sunshine she was. She attended our PEO meetings with my mom, and her wonderful smile and presence gave my mom so much more joy and confidence. You could just see it. We also played board games with Shirley on my front porch one summer day. I remember how even that one day with Shirley was such a special time. Mom and I were blessed to have those times with her and we will miss her greatly. Our prayers for the family at this difficult time.
Lori, Sending you and your entire family prayers at this time. What a beautiful life well lived. Thinking of all of you. Much love, Amy