Shirley Jean Lupfer, Age 87, passed peacefully on July 4, 2024.  Shirley was born January 17, 1937, in Allendale, MO to Joseph Edward Rinehart and Elsie Ruth Weddle Rinehart.  During her early childhood the family moved to Grant City, MO and later to Albany, MO where she started first grade. She attended both Albany Elementary School and Dorsey Country School.  In 1950 the family moved to McFall, MO where she graduated high school in 1955.  It was there that she met her life-long sweetheart, Frank.

Shirley attended Liberty Baptist Church in McFall where she decided to develop a personal relationship with Jesus at age 16.  She joined the church and remained a member for 71 years.  Her service included teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, participating in mission trips and conferences, and helping provide meals for church events.

While completing high school and starting her adult life, Shirley worked in both a grocery store and restaurant, did light housekeeping for another family and worked at the cap factory in Pattonsburg, MO.  The work she loved came later in life.

Frank and Shirley were united in marriage on January 17, 1957.  They resided in McFall and the surrounding area until 1998.  For 29 of those years, they lived on a farm north of McFall where Shirley used her creative skills to design a home remodel.  On March 14, 1998, life circled back to Albany where Frank and Shirley built an earth home.  Over the years Frank and Shirley enjoyed playing cards and bowling with friends.  They had several opportunities to travel, and their destinations included the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Mount Rushmore, Niagara Falls, Acupulco, The Bahamas, Cancun and St. Thomas.  Then in the spring of 2020 due to health reasons, Frank and Shirley moved to Gladstone, MO to be closer to their physicians and family support.

In addition to Shirley's devoted homemaking skills, she leaned to the creative.  She was truly gifted with hospitality, design, and culinary skills. Shirley used these skills to bless her family, friends and neighbors.  She also worked outside the home at F&S Grocery for 11 years. Her last job outside the home was floral design at Jo's Bows.  For Shirley this was a joy-filled experience because she was so passionate about flowers. Shirley's greatest life work was being a mom and grandmother and leaving a legacy of people grounded in the truth of scripture.

Shirley completed her life at Linden Woods Village in Gladstone from July 14, 2023, to July 4, 2024. She continued to develop meaningful relationships and minister to those who served her in this final year.  Frank and Shirley were blessed with 67 years of marriage.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Frank, and her children, Sharrie Wendleton, Ruth (Jay) Smith, and Barry (Renee) Lupfer.  She is also survived by her grandchildren Sarah (Pete) Hoeller, Kyle (Kristin) Popa, Jaime (Mike) Rocco, Valerie Kessler, Joshua (Kasey) Bowles, Adrian (Tyler) Sherman, Alexis Popa (Abe Lomas), Scott (Olivia) Lupfer, Bryan Lupfer, Sage Lupfer and 16 great grandchildren.  Shirley was one of nine children.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Gabe and Harold Rinehart, and sister, Joan Franklin.  She is survived by sisters, Pat (Alfred) Ward, Linda McNew, Zelma (Dan) Gibson, Velma Robbins, and brother, Dan (Barbara) Green and many nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life: 3:30 PM Saturday, July 13 at the Liberty Baptist Church, McFall, MO. Burial will follow in the McFall Cemetery, McFall, MO. The family will receive friends 2:00-3:30 on Saturday prior to the service at the church. Memorial Contributions: Liberty Baptist Church, McFall, MO or The Grove Church of Gladstone, MO in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402. Online Condolences: www.robersonpolleychapel.com