Shirley Ann Margaret Abney

Shirley Ann Margaret Abney, 87, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, KS. She was born on February 18, 1938, in Cole Camp, MO, the daughter of Clarence Herbert Miesner and Cora Josephine (Lutjen) Miesner, who preceded her in death.

On June 30, 1957, in Cole Camp, she was united in marriage to Robert Vern Abney, who preceded her in death on August 17, 2018.

Shirley attended Hink School and Trinity Lutheran School in Cole Camp and graduated from Cole Camp High School in 1956. She began her career as a proofreader for the Sedalia Democrat-Capital, working there until 1969. Following the birth of her second son, Dan, she chose to stay home full-time to raise her children-a role she cherished.

She was baptized on March 1, 1938, at Immanuel ("Monsees") Lutheran Church and confirmed in 1952 by Pastor Henry Gerike at Trinity Lutheran Church, both in Cole Camp. In her later years, Shirley was an active and devoted member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Sedalia.

A passionate St. Louis Cardinals fan, Shirley also enjoyed reading mystery novels, solving crossword puzzles, and watching her favorite game shows. Above all, she treasured spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She especially looked forward to their phone calls and text messages, which always brought her joy.

Shirley was one of the few remaining speakers of Cole Camp Low German and proudly contributed to a locally published Low German book, preserving the heritage she held dear.

She is survived by three sons: Timothy Abney of Manchester, Daniel Abney and his wife Patty of Columbia, and Mark Abney and his wife Julie of Sedalia. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Christina Wagner (Josh) of Columbia; Kevin Edwards (Kim) of Wentzville; Robert Abney (Allison) of Columbia; Leslie Lidholm (Ryan) of Columbia; Tyler Abney, Kassidy Abney, Paige Abney, and Adelynn Abney, all of Sedalia; as well as six great-grandchildren: Luke, Jack, Carter, May, Hudson, and Poppy Ann. Shirley is also survived by her brother, Don Miesner, and his wife Angie of Belton.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Sedalia, with Pastor Andrew Tessone officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Cole Camp Memorial Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Robert Abney, Tyler Abney, Kevin Edwards, Ryan Lidholm, and Ron Miesner. Honorary bearers will be her granddaughters.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Our Savior Lutheran Church Radio Ministry, in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.