Shirley Rank

Shirley Jean Rank was born on September 15, 1936 in Beloit, Kansas, the daughter of James and Edith James Morrell. She died Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at the Resident Care Center in Beloit at the age of 87.

She grew up in Beloit, where she attended schools, and graduated from Beloit High School. Following graduation, she worked at the Beloit ASC office as a wheat clerk for about five years. During this time, she was introduced to William "Willy" Rank. They dated for about two years, and were married on July 8, 1958. They moved to a farm in Jewell County, where she helped out raising sheep and bottle lambs. In 1966, they adopted their son, Ryan.

Shirley also spent many years working various other jobs including the Jewell Tasty Freeze, the Randall Grocery Store, and the Dollar General Store in Concordia.

She and Willy lived on the farm for nearly 46 years until his passing in February, 2004. She moved back to Beloit, and lived in the Sunny Slope apartments before moving into the Resident Care Center in 2013.

Her religion was very important to her, and she was active in both the Randall Community Church and the Beloit First United Methodist Church, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, and was a member of the Ladies UMW group. She also enjoyed music, and played the clarinet.

In addition to her husband Willy, she was preceded in death by her parents.

Shirley is survived by her son, Ryan and his wife, Audrey Meadows of Concordia; and two grandsons, Anthony and Brett May.

Graveside memorial services will be at 11 AM Thursday, February 22 at the Randall Cemetery. Cremation has taken place & friends may sign the register book from 9 AM to 5 PM Wednesday at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to Resident Care Center or American Cancer Society