Shirley Spencer Strickler

Shirley Ann Spencer Strickler, 92, of Wichita, Kan., died Jan. 14, 2024, in Wichita. She was born in Nebraska City, Neb. to Bernard and Ethel Spencer.

Shirley is preceded in death by her loving husband, William Strickler; parents, Bernard and Ethel Spencer; sister, Jane (Don) Koester; and sons, Mitchell “Michael” and Kevin Strickler. She is survived by sons, Gary (Sharon) Strickler, Scott (Ellen) Strickler, and Eric (Beth) Strickler; daughters, Ann (David) Zweig, and Cathy (Mike) Hut; sister, Joan (Rudi) Slaughter; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-­grandchildren.

Bill and Shirley moved to Lake Dabinawa in McLouth, Kan. in 1981, to a house they built themselves, and lived there until 2006. At the age of 60 years, Bill and Shirley joined the U.S. Peace Corps. They were posted to a remote island off the main shore of Papua New Guinea.

They enjoyed traveling to visit family and exploring new places domestically and overseas to experience new cultures and collect many memories. Bill and Shirley lived in Hot Springs Village, Ark. until Bill’s death in 2008. Shirley moved to Wichita, Kan. soon after to be closer to family.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 10 at Grace Presbyterian Church, Wichita, Kansas, coordinated by the Cozine Memorial Group.