Shirley Rice Howard passed away early Monday morning, December 4, 2023, at her home in Salina at the age of 94 with her children by her side.  Born on February 6, 1929, to Ruth and Roy Rice, Shirley grew up in Ellsworth before moving to Salina with her family.  She attended Franklin Grade School, Roosevelt-Lincoln Junior High and Salina High School, graduating in 1947.  While in high school, Shirley participated in theater and was voted Representative Girl during her senior year.

After graduation, Shirley attended Kansas University, majoring in Education.  While at KU, Shirley was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and Mortar Board honorary society.  During Christmas break of her senior year, she married Jack Howard, also of Salina, at the First Presbyterian Church in Salina.  Shirley was a teacher at Hawthorn Elementary before becoming a full-time mother to her two children.

Shirley was an active participant and presence in the lives of her children, serving as Cub Scout den mother, Girl Scout troop leader, Sunday school teacher, and driver to countless tennis tournaments. She was an active member of PEO chapter ED, and she loved playing bridge with her friends. Shirley was also an avid golfer and had the distinction of making a hole in one on two separate occasions.  Her church affiliation was always an important part of her life and community, and through the years she served as an Elder, Deacon and Trustee at First Presbyterian Church.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Jack Rice of Ashton, Idaho; sister, Joan Gable of Oklahoma City; and husband, Jack Howard.  She is survived by her daughter, Jan Denning (Gary) of Salina; her son, Jay Howard (Julia) of Austin, TX; granddaughter, Cathy Denning; grandson, David Denning (Sarah) and granddaughter, Jenna Howard.  She will be remembered by her family as a wonderful mother, grandmother, and wife, who gracefully combined inner strength and outward compassion.

The family would like to thank Comfort Keepers and Shirley’s exceptional caregivers Lisa Howe, Amanda Womack, and Jessica Miles as well as everyone at Gentiva Hospice, especially her attentive nurse, Christina Byrd.  With their love and care, Shirley was able to remain comfortably in her home to the end.

A memorial service will be held Monday, December 18 at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Eighth Street, Salina, Kansas.  Immediately following the service will be a luncheon reception at the Salina Country Club, 2101 East Country Club Road, Salina.  Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth Street, Salina, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers the family is recommending memorials to First Presbyterian Church of Salina or the Dog Fund at the Salina Animal Shelter.