Shirlee Ann Luther

Shirlee Ann Luther, age 86, a longtime resident of LeRoy, Kansas, passed away peacefully at her home under hospice care, surrounded by her loved ones.

Shirlee was born on August 1, 1939, in Holland, Minnesota, to Ervin and Margaret (DeMuynck) Schroeder. She attended various country schools in eastern South Dakota and graduated from Goodwin High School in 1957. Following high school, she began her working life with Bell Telephone in Minneapolis. She later spent time living in Maryland and Colorado before returning to Minnesota.

Shirlee worked for ten years in the research department at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. It was there, in October of 1977, that she met Martin Luther. Their connection was immediate, and they were married just eighteen days later, on October 25, 1977. Shirlee and Martin shared 48 years of true happiness together.

Beginning in 1977, Shirlee and Martin worked side by side in their business ventures, including a meat locker and later the jerky business. Shirlee was the inspiration behind the jerky business, always encouraging others to "go for it," and she never complained, no matter the workload. Together, they built not only a business but a community.

Shirlee also served for several years as the organizer of the local blood drive. She was especially fond of everyone who donated blood and made sure they knew how much she appreciated them. Through the blood drives, the store, and the jerky business, Shirlee made many friends, with a special fondness for the children she adored.

Shirlee was a kind and gentle person whose greatest joy was found in giving to others.

Grateful to have shared her life are her husband, Martin Luther; her children, Susan, Dale, and Ron; four grandchildren; her sisters, Ervina Kramer and Margie Scheurenbrand; her sisters-in-law, Leona and Rhea; and many nieces and nephews who adored her as their favorite aunt.

Special thanks to Margie's daughters, Stephani and Suzanne, highly specialized medical professionals, for their skilled and compassionate care, and for traveling from South Dakota to care for Shirlee.
Of course, Mike and Bub Hoag, loyal friends of the Luthers for over 50 years, for whom there are not enough words to express our appreciation.

Shirlee was preceded in death by her parents and her four brothers, Marlyn, Eldon, Dennis, and Donald H. Schroeder.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at the First Christian Church in LeRoy.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Coffey County Cancer Support Group and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.