Shirley Ruth Loeb

Shirley Ruth Loeb (Smith), passed peacefully on Saturday, February 7th, 2026, to join John, her husband of 53 years. She was a mother to Tracy and Susan, a grandmother to Brandon, Gabriel, Samuel, and Jacob, a great-grandmother to Addilynn, Reece, Amelia, and Jaxson, a mother-in-law to Lisa, and a grandmother-in-law to Bailey.

Shirley was raised in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where she developed a deep and life-long appreciation for nature. She attended Northeastern State University, where she obtained her degree in Elementary Education, and Wichita State University, where she obtained her Master’s in Speech Pathology. She spent 40 years teaching students in Udall, Winfield, and Rose Hill, Kansas. It was a true passion of hers, and the number of former students and parents who kept in touch with her over the years is a testament to that.

She spent her retirement gardening, traveling, and spending time with loved ones. She and John would plan excursions to places across the United States until John’s passing in 2015. She would get so excited as she planned and researched the next place they would visit. Her flower garden was spectacular. She tirelessly worked to turn the lawn into a mini botanical garden with a variety of gorgeous and colorful flowers that would bloom from early spring to late fall. She also loved to host family. She would cook the most delicious meals and loved to welcome family and friends into her home.

She is survived by her son Tracy Loeb, her daughter Susan Loeb, daughter-in-law Lisa Loeb, grandchildren Brandon Loeb, Gabriel Loeb-Moreira, stepgrandchildren Samuel Warner, Jacob Warner, great-grandchildren Addilynn Loeb, Reece Loeb,  Amelia Loeb, Jaxson Warner, granddaughter-in-law Bailey Loeb, and cousin-in-law Rosemary Armbruster.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Smith Mortuary in Derby, Kansas. A donation to the Alzheimer’s Association would be very appreciated by the family.