Shirley Ann Berkgren, age 81, of Oakley, Kansas went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, August 19, 2024 at Prairie Senior Living Complex in Colby, Kansas.

Shirley was born March 25, 1943 to Roscoe and Cecil Sanders in Rocky Ford, Colorado. As a pastor‘s daughter, her family moved often ministering to many churches in Colorado.

Shirley attended Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education. While there, she met and married the love of her life, Garry D. Berkgren, on December 27, 1962 in Pueblo, Colorado. During college, she worked as the secretary to the president of the college and as a proofreader for the Bartlesville newspaper. In 1966, Garry and Shirley moved to Oakley where Garry farmed with his family and Shirley worked for a short time at the Oakley Graphic and later as a secretary and bookkeeper for the family auto machine shop.

Shirley was a devoted wife and loving mother. She enjoyed spending her days at home raising her children (Ken, Karen and Karla), praying daily over them and being involved in their activities. Shirley also loved the time she got to spend with her 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Shirley‘s deep faith led her to a lifelong passion for ministry and teaching the Bible. She loved the thrill of putting together a message for women’s Bible studies, Sunday school, and filling in when the pastor was away.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Roscoe and Cecil Sanders. She is survived by her husband, Garry, her son, Ken (Melissa) Berkgren; and two daughters: Karen (Todd) Stevenson and Karla (Galen) Ensz; her brother, Rex (Karen) Sanders, her sister, Gaylene (Dale) Wright: 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held at 7:30 PM Saturday, August 24, 2024 at the Oakley Wesleyan Church with Tiffany Martin officiating. Family will be present at the church from 2:00 PM through 7:00 PM Saturday, August 24, 2024. Please join us for a time of visiting and fellowship. Light snacks and finger foods will be available.

Memorials to the Oakley Wesleyan Church may be sent in care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, PO Box 221, Oakley, Kansas 67748.

Shirley chose cremation, so there will be no viewing.

Sign the online guestbook at www.kennedykosterfh.com

Thank you for celebrating Shirley’s life with us. May God continue His blessing on each of you.