Shirley Jolene Higgins, age 87 of Manhattan, passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.
She was born on August 9, 1933 in Leonardville, the daughter of Paul and Myrtle (Simnitt) Specht.
She was married to W. Duane Higgins on August 26, 1951 at the Riley United Methodist Church. He preceded her in death on January 3, 2018.
Shirley was a dietician and cook for Memorial Hospital, Leonardville Grade School and Amanda Arnold Elementary where she retired.
She was a member of the Sedalia Community Church and enjoyed sewing, cooking and fishing.
She is survived by two sons, Daniel Higgins and Julie of Leonardville and Owen Higgins and Holly of Manhattan; two sisters, Donna Diskau of Riley and Beverly Sundgren and Eldon of Leonardville; six grandchildren, David Higgins (Andrea), Erin Riley (Jesse), Nathan Higgins (Anna), Jessica Koch (Josh), Jesse Higgins (Amy Boeckermann) and Laura Higgins (Dean Scofield); nine great grandchildren and her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Specht.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Leland Specht; two sisters; Ila Simons and Kaye Blodgett and three brothers-in-law, Walter Simons, Dean Diskau and Warren Blodgett.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating. Inurnment will be in the Sedalia Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for the Sedalia Community Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
303 S Broadway, Riley, KS 66531
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more