Shirley Ann Sample Young joined our heavenly Father on Thursday, March 30, 2023. The world has lost a wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, friend, patriot and public servant whose presence touched the lives of all those who knew her.

Shirley will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Rick and Devon, and her daughters-in-laws, Tami and Ann. She had an abundance of pride in her grandchildren, David, Cameron and Anastasia, along with her great-grandchildren, Madison and Marcus. In the last year, she was able to gain two new grandchildren, Cameron's wife, Sara, and Anastasia's husband, Matthew. She is survived by her older sister, Marjorie Swan, and many more family members and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, William and Reva Niswonger Sample, and her siblings, Gene, George, Roger and Jim Sample. Shirley has joined her husband, Lloyd Wesley Young, in a reunion she had been looking forward to since the moment he departed. There was not a day that went by that she did not think about him. She would light up any time she had the opportunity to share stories and memories of her husband, and the love she felt for him was as strong as the day they married. They shared a passion for their country and adventure. They lived a life together that overflowed with love and laughter for decades.

Being from a family farm between Sedgewickville and Patton, Missouri, and growing up during a tumultuous time in the United States, Shirley developed a deep passion for her country. She devoted her life to the service of others. Shirley was a member of countless organizations that were dedicated to the bettering of her community and country. Shirley served her local Scott City community as a City Council member, mayor pro tempore and as the town's first female mayor. During her term as mayor, she established the Historic Preservation Committee, and annexed the Industrial Park area. Shirley had many awards bestowed upon her for her service, including the Governor's Leadership Award. She was additionally a member of the Republican Presidential Task Force and Coalition for Peace Through Strength under former President Ronald Reagan. She ensured those who needed to be remembered were, which she did through her organization of the memorial to observe the 10th anniversary of the events of 9/11 and the 1976 United States Bicentennial. Shirley worked to celebrate those who served their country, especially through her project in locating and recording of World War II veterans' stories to safeguard their memories and legacies. She was an active member and leader of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and served as chapter regent and on many local and state committees.

Shirley was a member of the Jaycee Wives Club, Scott City Women's Club, Cape Choraliers, Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors for North Scott City Ambulance District, Missouri National Guard Association, National Huguenot Society, American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 63, Bootheel Conservation Committee and Historic Niswonger Church Organization. To add to these memberships and in recognition of her service to her community, Shirley was named Scott City "Woman of the Year". As a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, she received its Businessperson of the Year Award.

She was devoted to her sons as a Boy Scouts of America den mother, PTO officer and booster for the band and football team. She also dedicated much of her time to Eisleben Lutheran Church as a vacation Bible school volunteer, choir member, trustee, church council member, 150th reunion committee member and financial board member. Additionally, she wrote the Eisleben Church history book and was actively working on a genealogy project of her own family. Shirley's list of accolades is a reminder of her dedication and passion to those around her.

Shirley is being laid to rest at Eisleben Lutheran Church, and her family is comforted knowing she will be beside her husband in a community to which she dedicated much of her life. Her family is grateful to know she is now at rest and watching over them all. Many thanks go out to the outpouring of love and support they have received during this difficult time. They wish God's love and blessings on all.

Shirley's visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 6, at Eisleben Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnels to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306, or to Daughters of the American Revolution, P.O. Box 297, Boonville, MO 65233.