Shirley A. Gifford

Shirley Gifford, 83, of Topeka, formerly of Hiawatha for many years, passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2024. She was born on November 27, 1940 in Ripley, Tennessee the daughter of James and Dovie Forsythe Ashmore. She was raised in Armorel, Arkansas and graduated with the Class of 1958. 

 She met Jerry Gifford while Jerry was stationed at an Air Force Base near her hometown. She married Jerry Gifford on September 18, 1960 at the Armorel Baptist Church. 

 Shirley and Jerry lived in Corydon, Iowa, Silver Lake, KS, Blue Springs, Missouri and Hiawatha, Kansas before building a new home in Topeka several years ago. She had been a member of Baptist churches in Armorel, Blue Springs and the other stops along the way. Since moving back to the Topeka area they attended the Meriden United Methodist Church.

 She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren play sports. She and Jerry loved to travel and had many adventures including a 2 month trip to Alaska. The Gifford’s were members of a terrific camping group, Sunflower, with many friendships that endure. She and Jerry were snowbirds and have their winter home in Weslaco, Texas.

 She is survived by her husband Jerry Gifford of Topeka; children, Cheryl Lawhorn (Darin) and Bobby Gifford; and grandchildren, Alicia Hysten (Jordan), Jacob Lawhorn (Jenna); great grandchildren, Joseph Hysten, Jaxon Hysten and Jamison Hysten; and numerous cousins and nieces and nephews.

 Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Ronald Lee and Kenneth Wayne Ashmore and a sister, Beverly Kay Tinsley.

 Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at the Meriden United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Tuesday evening, October 8 at the Parker-Price& Davidson Cremations and Funerals, 245 NW Independence, Topeka Ks 66608. 

Graveside services and interment will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, October 16 2024 at Lowry City Cemetery in Lowry City, Missouri. Memorials contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 825 SW Buchanan, Topeka, Kansas 66606. ppdfuneral.com