Virginia Marlene Shinkle

Virginia Marlene Shinkle, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on Monday January 19, 2026, in Fall River, Kansas, with all five of her children by her side. Born on July 12, 1938, in Fredonia, Kansas to Marvin and Alice (Worford) Shoaf.

Marlene graduated from Fall River High School in the class of 1956 and went on to create a life filled with love, hard work, and dedication to those around her. Throughout her career, she held various positions in the local food service industry, including working at the Hillcrest Cafe where she met her husband, Sherley. She worked at Flint Oak in 1980; she was a part owner and manager of Crazy Horse. Over the years, Marlene's talents extended to cooking and waitressing at numerous restaurants, as well as farming.

On January 18, 1958, Marlene was united in marriage to Sherley Shinkle, in Fredonia and they were married until his passing on August 6, 1994.

Marlene enjoyed a variety of hobbies that enriched her life and those of her loved ones. She had a passion for crocheting, flower and vegetable gardening, and exploring her ancestry. An avid picture-taker, Marlene captured countless moments with her family. Her culinary skills were legendary, particularly her famous horse fritters, fried chicken, and meatloaf—dishes that brought joy to family gatherings and celebrations. Marlene was also a former member of the Methodist Church in Fall River.

Marlene's legacy is lovingly carried on by her five children: Sherlene (Gary) Holter of League City, TX; Bobby (Debbie) Shinkle of Fredonia, KS; Tommy (Carla) Shinkle of Fredonia, KS; Roy Shinkle of Fredonia, KS; and Karen (Benny) Stephens of Fredonia, KS. In addition, she leaves behind an impressive family tree of 21 grandkids, 52 great grandkids, and 2 great great grandkids, all who will forever remember her kindness and love.

Marlene is survived by her sister, Marilyn (Jack) Vaught of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and sister-in-law Linda Shoaf of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. She is preceded in death by her husband, Sherley Shinkle; her parents, Marvin and Alice (Worford) Shoaf; her brother, Raymond Shoaf Sr.; her granddaughter, Kara Pryor; and her infant great granddaughter, Bexlie Rose Barton.

A visitation will be held in Marlene's honor on Wednesday January 21, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Wickham Family Funeral Home in Fredonia, Kansas. A funeral service will take place on Thursday January 22, 2026, at the Wickham Family Funeral Home, beginning at 10:00 AM.

Marlene Shinkle’s gentle spirit and unwavering devotion to her family will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Memorial remembrances may be made to the Fall River Women's Fund, or the Fall River Kid's Fund, and can be mailed or left at the funeral home, 510 N. 7th, Fredonia Kansas 66736.