Shirley Jean Gilroy

Shirley Jean Gilroy (78) of Ottawa, Kansas passed away Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022, at Rock Creek of Ottawa. Family will meet with friends from 4:30 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa, Kansas. Graveside services have been changed and will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at Fairview Cemetery in Vinita, Oklahoma. Daughter of Maitland and Blanche (Wilard) Swabby, Shirley was born in Little River, Kansas on July 26, 1943. She spent her childhood years there, graduating from Little River High School. She called many places and states home over the years including Colorado, Louisiana and Texas, she eventually settled in Ottawa, Kansas in 1969. Shirley married Peter Sullivan and through that union had children Phil, Teresa and Tim. Shirley later married Greg Gilroy of Ottawa, Kansas and had another daughter, Becky. Shirley then met the love of her life, Dennis Woolman, and they spent over thirty happy years together. Shirley had a zest for life and loved to travel and vacation all over the United States. She loved visiting family and all her grandchildren. Shirley enjoyed farm life, relaxing on the porch, tending her flower gardens, collecting unique antiques and showing off her country western dance skills. Shirley was also very creative and artistic with a special talent for painting. Shirley worked as an office assistant for Franklin Savings Association. Following that career, she was employed at the Chamber of Commerce where she wore many hats and had many responsibilities throughout her tenure there. Her favorite part of the job was meeting and assisting all the people that came through the doors. She always had a smile on her face and was always ready to help anyone who needed it. Shirley was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ottawa. She is preceded in death by her mother Blanche Hill, stepfather Carl Hill and father Maitland Swabby. Shirley is survived by her partner Dennis Woolman, children Phillip Sullivan (Lek) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Teresa Sullivan of Overland Park, Kansas, Tim Sullivan of Overbrook, Kansas and Becky Twedt (Dan) of Waukee, Iowa; Kevin Woolman (Sheri) of Ottawa, daughter-in-law Sherry Sullivan of Pomona; sister, Judy Becker (Bob) of Ottawa; grandchildren Audrey Sullivan, Brittney Bell, Zachary Sullivan (Alexandra), Xavier Tiller, Devon Weston, Jordan Weston, Kelsey Sullivan, Shawn Sullivan (Emma), Anna Twedt, Owen Twedt, Alicia Woolman and Shannon Woolman; great grandchildren Brianna, Aurora, Yulianna, Zakyra, Yaneli, Serenity, Kai, Serriyah, Legend, Obiah, Liam, Tristan, Emery, Natalie, Noah and Rory. The family suggests memorial contributions to Ottawa Main Street Association FBO The Main Street Corner Gardens c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067