Shirley Jeane Risse was born on September 2, 1938, and peacefully passed away on December 1, 2025. Shirley grew up in Advance, Missouri, where she established the strong, loving foundation that guided her entire life. For 44 wonderful years, Shirley was the devoted wife of Warren Risse, whom she married on October 27, 1962.
Above all, Shirley's life was centered around her family. As a loving housewife, she created a warm, nurturing home that was the hub for her large and extended family. She possessed a remarkable gift and was affectionately known as "the child whisperer," a title earned through her genuine, unconditional love for all children, including her numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Beyond her family, Shirley expressed her creativity and devotion through her passions: she was an avid oil painter, creating beautiful artwork, and she found immense joy and peace in her garden.
Her immediate survivors are her children; Debbie (David) Woodson, Doris (Troy) Grimes, Glenda (Rick) Merseal, Danny Myers, Sherry (Ryan) Smith, and Lisa Cooper. She also has 20 grandkids, 53 great-grandkids, and 19 great-great-grandkids. She also has a sister Carol (John) Cauley.
She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence DeWitt Robins and Edna Gertrude Davis, by Warren, her husband, brothers; Harl, Thomas, Ray, Otis, and Carl; and one sister; Mary Armstrong.
She chose cremation and her kids plan to have a celebration of her life in spring 2026 when her urn will be buried next to her husband at Bowling Green Memorial Gardens. (JC Kirby Lovers Lane Cemetery)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1510 Campbell Ln, Bowling Green, KY 42104

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