Deanna Shirlen

Deanna Lee Shirlen passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on May 8, 2026, at the Resident Care Center, Beloit, Kansas. She was born on October 6, 1941, in Indio, California, to John and Dorothy Stevens. The family moved to Falls City, Nebraska, in her early childhood. Deanna was the oldest of three children, later joined by Lindley and Sherry, whom she named. She graduated from Falls City High School in 1959. In 2020, Deanna moved to Kansas to be closer to family. She was a member of the Beloit Methodist Church.

Deanna took pride in her three children, Eugene, James and Christine. Throughout her career, she held numerous positions while living in Topeka, Houston, Miami and Charlotte, earning high commendations from former employers. While in Topeka, she operated a very successful sewing business, creating gowns and suits for numerous weddings. The children often joked that their pool table was always used as a giant cutting board.

Deanna married the love of her life, Norman Shirlen, on May 28, 2000, in Makena, Maui, Hawaii. Together they traveled throughout the United States during the 10 short years they shared before his passing. Her greatest past time was gardening. She took pride in being a Master Gardener in three states, and spent countless hours tending flowers, planting, weeding and digging. Having her hands in the soil and dirt under her fingernails brought her great joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Dorothy Stevens; husband, Norman Shirlen; brother, Lindley Stevens; daughter Christine Vining; and granddaughter, Nicole Torkelson.

Those left to celebrate her life include her sons, Eugene (Carol) Torkelson and James (Tina) Torkelson; grandchildren, Russell Torkelson(Crystal Morris), Jenesia (Jared) Larson, J. R. Vining, Amber Vining and Jeren Torkelson; sister, Sherry (Steve) Jurgensmeier; sister-in-laws; great-grandchildren, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Beloit Methodist Church on Friday, June 19th, 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Beloit Methodist Church Radio Ministry or Solomon Valley Transportation in care of Roberts Family Funeral Service, 910 N. Campbell Ave., Beloit, KS 67420.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the Assisted Living staff, as well as the staff of the Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems, Resident Care Center and Solomon Valley Hospice, for their care and compassion in her final days.