Shirley Schweitzer

Shirley Ann Schweitzer joined the angels Sunday, April 7, at the age of 86.

She was born on June 8, 1937, in Ransom, Kansas. After marrying the love of her life, Darrel Schweitzer, she lived in many places in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, then settled in southeast Missouri at Lake Wappapello. They called this home for 39 years and fell in love with the lake life of boating, fishing, (or reading for Shirley), enjoying sunsets, and entertainment.

Shirley enjoyed a lifelong love of learning, earning her degrees in teaching and a PhD, with the title of “Dr. Schweitzer”, which was well earned. She retired from education after being principal at Puxico School District in 2000 and began to really enjoy lake life. She learned American Sign Language and took classes learning how to use computers, so she always had an interest in learning new things.

She enjoyed a life full of neighbors, church friends, close and extended family visits, and grandparenting. Shirley also enjoyed traveling with Darrel whenever they had a chance, on trips to Denmark, Florida, Mexico, Hawaii, California, Nova Scotia, and cruises to name a few, and all of the places Darrel went on business trips. She became a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, becoming involved in most of their events. Shirley and Darrel hosted many memorable cook outs for church members, friends and family through the years at the lake, which included game nights and playing cards.

Shirley is preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Darrel Schweitzer, her parents, one brother, sisters-in-law, and an infant granddaughter.

Surviving is her son, Rod Schweitzer (Cheryl) of Jefferson City, Missouri; her daughter, Julie Blau (Rick) of Goodyear, Arizona; and son, Jerry Schweitzer of Columbia, Missouri. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Lauren Schweitzer and Robin Anderson (Blake) of Columbia, Alex Blau and Brett Blau of Kansas City, Kansas, and Luke Blau of Arizona. She will be greatly missed by her two great-grandchildren, Korben Anderson and Aiden Anderson of Columbia,. She especially loved being a grandmother, spending time with their grandchildren and spoiling them. Shirley was the matriarch of the family and will be greatly missed by all her children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and everyone who knew her.

Shirley’s strength, hard work, dedication, love, and joy of life will be her legacy for the generations to come. She was an inspiration to us all. She will always be remembered with Darrel enjoying a pontoon boat ride into the sunset.

On Saturday ,June 1, at 11 a.m., there will be a Celebration of Life Memorial at First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff, Mo., 500 N. Main St. Memorial contributions can be made in her name to the First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff at www.fumcpb.org.