Shirley (Sparke) Carpenter

Shirley Sparke Carpenter went home to be with Our Lord on December 6, 2021. She was born April 27, 1935, the daughter of Elmer and Ada May (Zion) Sparke. She was the 3rd of 4 children, two older brothers and one younger sister. She was raised on a farm south of Kinsley. Shirley graduated from Nursing School at St. Rose Hospital in Great Bend, KS and began her career as an RN in Dodge City, KS. She continued her career in nursing until she retired. She married Dale Lorenzen in September of 1956; and to this union she had 3 children, Jean, Sherry, and Paul. They later divorced and she remarried.

Shirley’s nurturing gift made her a dedicated nurse. She has always been a lover of animals and had many dogs, cats, and even a bird through her lifetime. She loved feeding the birds and enjoyed watching them. She loved quiet classical music and loved going for walks and being outdoors in nice weather.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Carol, a brother, John, and granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth.

She is survived by her children Jean and her husband Bill of Kinsley, Sherry and her husband Wade of Oakley, and Paul and his wife Amy of Winona, a brother Elmer Leroy Sparke of Dodge City. She is also survived by grandchildren, Kelsey Peterson of Kinsley, Garrett Taylor and wife Brooke of Wellsville, Lisa Taylor of Lawrence, Joshua Lorenzen and wife Amber of Kinsley, and Jared Lorenzen of Winona; and 7 great grandchildren. Shirley’s family was one of her greatest joys.

Graveside services will be Friday, December 17, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Fellsburg Cemetery, rural Edwards County. The family will gather at the Edwards County Fairbuilding to receive guests following the service. Memorials may be given to your local animal shelter or a charity of your choice.

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