Shari Mckinnie

Sharon "Shari" McKinnie passed away peacefully at her home in Glen Elder, Kansas, on February 9, 2021, at the age of 84. She joins her college sweetheart and love of her life, Ronald McKinnie; her parents, Fern and Russell Shellenberger; and her younger brother, Shelly Shellenberger. Her family takes great comfort in knowing they are all together again, cheering on their beloved Wildcats and wiping away tears of joy and laughter as they share memories from Shari's rich and full life on this earth.

Shari was born and grew up in Ransom, Kansas, before heading off to Kansas State University, where she got her degree in journalism, was a member of the Chi Omega sorority, was crowned the sweetheart of Sigma Chi, and fell in love with her beloved Ronald. They were married in 1957, and after graduation moved back to Ronald's hometown, where they would teach high school, work on the family farm, become pillars of the Christian Church, and raise their daughters, Jami and Jill. But Kansas State was never far from their hearts. Many Saturdays were spent watching Wildcat football from their 50-yard line seats or rooting on the basketball team in Ahearn Fieldhouse and later Bramlage Coliseum. And while Shari remained devoted to the Wildcats and was a huge K.C. Royals and Chiefs fan, her favorite teams eventually became whichever ones her grandchildren were on!

Shari was a renowned pianist and organist, a beautiful writer, an eloquent poet, an avid reader, a fierce bridge and Scrabble player, a beloved English teacher, a devoted farmer's wife, and a loving daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend to so many. She was the original Super Woman, working full time, making hearty breakfasts for Ronald between his early morning milking and heading off to school, taking meals to the field, making endless jars of her famous pickles and jams, and packing up the car for the Saturday road trips to Manhattan only to turn around and come home to play the organ at church on Sundays.

Those who loved Shari knew the excitement of opening the mailbox to find a card or letter, her perfect handwriting filling every last inch of available space with updates, loving encouragement, and expressions of pride in even the tiniest of milestones. She never missed a birthday and often took the time to send a letter or write a poem for someone even when there was no special occasion. Her family and friends will treasure that written legacy. Those cards, letters, and poems not only embody Shari's compassion, wisdom, and inner beauty. They are a reminder of what she taught everyone she knew - the importance of taking the time, no matter how busy you are, to truly nurture and connect with the people you love.

Shari is survived by her daughter Jami Miller; daughter Jill Koster and her husband Barry; grandchildren Lindsay Miller, Landon Miller and his wife Lacey, Kayleigh Laptad and her husband Jake, Allison Koster, and Chase Koster; great-grandchildren Londyn, Lennyn, and Ellie; sisters-in-law Kay Schwartzkopf and her husband Al, and Deanna Riggins and her husband Bob; and her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Funeral services will be at 1 PM Monday, February 15 at the Glen Elder Christian Church. Visitation will be from 2-7 PM Sunday at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. The casket will remain closed. Masks will be required at both visitation and the funeral service. Memorials may be given to the Church, Manhattan Christian College, or Summer Kids Cafe.

Link to view Shari McKinnie's Funeral Service