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Ethan Shirley Obituary

SCRANTONEthan Chance Shirley, 14, passed away Monday, January 12, 2009 at his home in Scranton. He was born June 27, 1994, in Topeka. Ethan was in the eighth grade at the Carbondale Attendance Center. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He played football and basketball on the Carbondale school teams. He was a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Scranton. Survivors include his mother, Amy Christine Jackson, Scranton; a brother, Jarod Shirley, Manhattan; maternal grandparents, Jim and Dorylan Jackson, Osage City; paternal grandmother, Colleen Shirley, Osage City; Uncle Bryan Jackson, Los Angeles, California; Aunt Susie and Uncle Craig Adams, Columbia, Missouri; cousins, Jacob, Taylor and Whitney Adams, Columbia, Missouri; Uncle John Shirley and Tracy, Osage City; and cousins, CJ and Mallery Basil, Osage City. He was joined in death by a brother, Caleb Jackson Shirley and a sister, Ashten Christine Shirley. Memorial services will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 17, at the Carbondale Attendance Center. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Friday at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Scranton with a rosary being recited at 7:00 PM. Memorial contributions can be made to the Shirley Family Memorial Fund and sent in care of the State Bank of Carbondale. VanArsdale Funeral Chapel in Osage City is in charge of arrangements.

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Published by Topeka Capital-Journal on Jan. 15, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ethan Shirley

Not sure what to say?





Bobbi

January 17, 2009

Amy- You do not know me, but we have alot of friends in common. My heart has broke this week, for them as well as you, as they remember times with you and your kids. I pray that these friends and God will help you find the strength needed as time passes.

January 17, 2009

I didn't know your family but just to let you know that our thougths are with you I can't find the words to let you know that everyone wants to make sure that you know that were thinking of you. Treasure all the memories that you have and carry all the love in your heart as they are with you.

MAY GOD HELP YOU THROUGH

January 16, 2009

Heaven's Child


I would not like for you to cry
It's just a part of life to die
I know you miss me and you're sad
But dying isn't something bad.

I'm only just beyond your sight
I've gone with Angels to the light
I send to all of you my love
From Heaven's gardens up above.

I like it here, I'm having fun
And I am with The Holy One
I am sitting on His knee
With Jesus watching over me.

So many souls I knew before
Were waiting here at Heaven's Door
To welcome me with open arms
And keep me safe and make me warm.



So when you think of me please smile
For I will see you in a while
Trust the Lord, don't ask Him why
He wants me here to paint the sky

With rainbows, clouds and shining lights
To brighten days and warm your nights
Remember what I said before
Please don't cry for me any more.

I am Heaven's Child, you see
I play with Angels surrounding me
I can fly with the speed of thought
To be with you when you think I'm not

So please remember I love you
And I know you love me too
And even now, while we're apart
I'm still right here ... I'm in your heart.

Pursley/Watkins family

January 16, 2009

I cannot imagine the pain you must be going through. My heart is breaking for you. Know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many. May God wrap his arms around you and fill you with all the wonderful memories of your angels. God bless you and your family.

The David Family

January 16, 2009

To Amy and Family:
My son Ryan was a friend of Ethans and will greatly miss him, as will many others. I can not begin to understand the pain and sorrow you are feeling but know that GOD is with them now and they will be waiting for you and watching over you until you are together again. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Kathryn, Bill, & Clovis Reinsch

January 16, 2009

Amy,
We did not know you, saw you at Ethan's football games. He was such a sweet spirit and a great football player according to my son Clovis. Clovis said the coach always said "surly you can do it Shirley" and he could. Heavenly Father has opened his arms to your lovely children and will watch over them until you can be with them. Through his atonement, this is possible. He is the only one that has the answers for this horrific tragedy. May you feel his love and the love of those around you. Reflect on your memories of your beautiful children. No words can replace the pain, know we will keep you in our hearts and Clovis will always remember the friendship he had with Ethan.

Wakarusa Ks

January 16, 2009

Ethan: You are the eldest of Mom's special angels. Keep brother and sister close by and surround your family with your love and spirit. Mom: know that there will be a reunion one day and you will be with your children once more. Believe on that and it will get you through. My prayers and peace to you. So very, very sorry you are going through this.

ks

January 16, 2009

Ethan, stay close to your Mom. Let your love and your spirit cover her and help comfort her. You are the eldest of her special angels. Show your family that you are all still with them and that Love... never dies.

Terri Kolbaba

January 16, 2009

To Amy and her Angels, May God keep you in his arms and hold you tight. My prayers are with you. Love and Prayers from a stranger but with a heavy heart.

Jodie Heinsch Family

January 16, 2009

Amy and family,
I do not know you, I am so sorry for your tremendous loss, know that I am continually praying for you, and asking God to bless you with the peace that passes all understanding.

Raymond/Betty Ketter

January 16, 2009

Our Deepest Sympathies, we our praying for you

amy schloetzer

January 16, 2009

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Dawn Bombardier

January 16, 2009

AMY,
My heart breaks for your loss of your beautiful children.My niece played with Jackson at recess and he will be missed by her.My thoughts and prayers are with you.Your angels know you loved them dearly and treasure your precious memories.I pray Amy for the strength to ease your pain and have peace.

Adrian, Tish & Shelle Smith Alcala

January 15, 2009

Dear Amy & Jarod: We do not know your family....but are compelled to write and let you know we want to help share your pain. We cannot even imagine the hurt you have in your hearts, but we hope and pray that your beloved memories bring a smile to your face and peace to your hearts. God forever bless you both.

Allen Family

January 15, 2009

Praying for your peace.

Claire Quiett

January 15, 2009

Dorylan,Words cannot express the deepest sympathy I have for you and your family.May warm memories comfort you at this time.

Judith/Robert Brown

January 15, 2009

May you and your siblings rest in peace, I never met you, but am told you are family. Prayers for your mom to, please look down on her in her time of need......

Linda Massey

January 15, 2009

To the Shirley Family,

I am so very sorry for your losses. I did not know Ethan but my Grandson Chase Massey was a friend of his and says he was a real good boy. May GOD me with you during this time of sorrow. In Sympathy for your losses.

Karla Rumpf

January 15, 2009

I just wanted to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family. As parents, we know that our children are precious gifts from God. I pray that He will give you comfort, strength and peace in the days ahead.

Haws Family

January 15, 2009

May the Lord Give you all strength and comfort during this tragic time. I too could not imagine the pain....My heart goes out to this Mother. No Mother should have to suffer such a horrible pain. These Children will be missed by so many and will never be forgotten. God Bless you .

Corwyn Wenke

January 15, 2009

Dear Amy and family,

We are stunned and shocked by the news of the loss of your 3 very fine children. Their young lives touched many, for which you can be proud. We hope you will cherish the memories and smiles they brought you. They will always hold a special place in your heart. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Be strong, and may God bless, comfort, and support you and your family during this difficult time.
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Corwyn & Linda

Susan

January 15, 2009

Please know that there are so many lifting this family up in prayer. I cannot even imagine....there are no words that can console at a time like this. Please feel the loving arms of the Lord surrounding you, strengthening you, and helping you through this time. The good people of Scranton and surrounding communities will help you through.....let them.

May God's grace grant you peace in your heart.

Donna Wheeler

January 15, 2009

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

January 15, 2009

Amy, Im sorry for your losses They are in gods hands now.

Katie Faidley

January 15, 2009

Please know how many people are praying for you right now, keep God close and he will carry you through this.

Mary & Richard Briggs

January 15, 2009

To the family:
We dont know each other, but please know that you are in so many stranger's prayers. This is a horrific burden to bear, but God will see you through! Our deepest sympathies are extended to you. God be with these innocent Angels!

Phyllis Nesbitt

January 15, 2009

Amy,I watched Ethan play nasketball just a day or so before this tragedy. He was a sweet boy and so good at basketball. His friend Nate Warren is the son of a very good friend of mine and misses him very much. All the boys on the team miss him. I do not know your family personally, but we at Grace Chapel in Carbondale have been praying for you and your family. God is the God of all comfort and I know He, most of all, knows the sorrow you are feeling at this time. Feel the warmth of His loving and caring arms around you and find peace in His love for you and your family. God bless you and yours. love in Jesus.

PAM RIOS

January 15, 2009

AMY, MY HEART TRUELY GOES OUT TO YOU AS A MOTHER OF A TEENAGER. MY DAUGHTER IS A FRIEND OF RYLAN'S, WHO I UNDERSTAND IS A FRIEND OF ETHAN'S. I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT BOBBI AND I HAVE YOU IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

Jamie Peavler

January 15, 2009

God bless your heart,Our thoughts and prayers are with you.I pray you find peace.

January 15, 2009

God Bless the deceased Children and the Survivors of this tragedy.

Crystal Burgoon

January 15, 2009

These children will be greatly missed by many. My father raved about Ethan and was always telling stories about the latest/greatest things the kids were doing. He was always impressed with Ethan's newest projects & desire to learn, humored by Jackson's yard/dog patrol & antics, and Ashten's sweetness & consideration was heart-warming. Always take pride in knowing the positive effects the children had on people’s lives even at such young ages. There are no words to express how saddened we are for your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathy and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need anything.
The Roberts Family~
Tony Roberts, Crystal & Eric Burgoon, Amanda Roberts & Jeff Jones, Donna Roberts

Kirsten

January 15, 2009

I don't know you or your family, but you will be in my prayers. No words of comfort will help right now, but I am praying...

Reginald & Regina Franklin and Family

January 15, 2009

We do not know this family, but we were so saddened to hear of this tragedy! May God comfort your entire family during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers!! God Bless you all!

January 15, 2009

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Melanie Strand

January 15, 2009

may you also play in the garden in heaven with love and family

Evelyn Richter

January 15, 2009

Amy and Family ~
I just can not imagine what you are going through at this time. Please accept my deepest sympathy and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless You and help you find peace.

Ann Crawford

January 15, 2009

Amy,
I cannot begin to imagine the pain of your heart or how the anguish sears your soul. May God send you an angel to guide you through the haze of what is life, until life is no longer just a blur. I am here for you.

January 15, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. There are no words to express our sympathy. May your memories of Ethan comfort you.

Gary, Sandy, Joey and Mindy Griffith

Neva & Chuck Driver

January 15, 2009

Amy, it will take some time but eventually you will find peace. As always you are in our prayers.

January 15, 2009

To The Shirley Family/Loved Ones:
My Deepest Sympathy/Condolences. May God Bless You During This Difficult Time!

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