Shirley Jean Rowan, 78, passed away on January 23, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas. She was born on May 10, 1947, in Wellington, Kansas, to Charles and Laura Blankenship.

Shirley grew up in Belle Plaine, where she spent her childhood caring for her younger siblings, taking them to town, attending church on Sundays, and cherishing time with her Grandma Dola. She loved going to her best friend Charlene's house after school where they would watch TV and eat homemade desserts.  As a teenager, she worked at the Wagon Wheel café in Belle Plaine. Through hard work and determination, she saved enough to purchase her pride and joy—a 1958 Ford Thunderbird. No matter what hot rods or fancy cars others owned, the only one that ever impressed her was that '58 T‑Bird.

While working at the Wagon Wheel, Shirley met her future husband, Gary Rowan. Together they enjoyed riding horses, and Shirley especially adored her horse, Princess. Shirley and Gary were married on May 12, 1967.

While Gary was serving in the Vietnam War, Shirley gave birth to their first child, Brian, on July 7, 1968. During Gary's deployment, she worked at Beechcraft to support their growing family. When Gary returned home, they settled in south Wichita on Oak Street. Their daughter Michelle was born on August 8, 1973, and Shirley stayed home to care for her young family. She later returned to work, taking a position at the Wichita Clinic. On March 11, 1976, they welcomed their second daughter, Crystal. Shirley was immensely proud of her three children and loved them deeply.

Shirley cherished time spent camping and enjoying the lake with her family, siblings, and parents. Though she loved the lake, she did not love her brother Dale's drag boat—it "scared the dickens out of her," as she often said.

Tragedy struck on September 12, 1984, when Gary suddenly passed away, leaving Shirley a single mother of three. She moved her family to Winfield to be closer to relatives and began working at Good Samaritan Nursing Home. In her free time, she devoted herself to her children and remained close to her parents.

In 1992, Shirley moved back to Wichita and began working at First Choice Credit Union, where she remained until her retirement in 2007. In her retirement years, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, visiting the casino, attending Wichita Senior Dance events with her special friend and dance partner, Dale Havercroft, and going on vacation trips.

Shirley's life was a testament to love, resilience, and devotion to family. Her strength carried her through life's hardest moments, and her kindness lifted the hearts of everyone around her. Though she is no longer with us, the lessons she shared, memories she created and the love she spread will continue to live on through the lives of her children, grandchildren, and all who knew her. Her legacy is one of compassion, courage, and unwavering family bonds. She will be forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gary Rowan; her brother, Danny Blankenship; and her sister, Judy Davis.

She is survived by her son Brian Rowan (Diane); daughters Michelle Rowan and Crystal Driskill (Derek); brothers Keith Blankenship and Dale Blankenship; sister Sue Blankenship; seven grandchildren—Andi Gillette, Brianne Newell, Michael Bowlin, Courtney Davis, Dakota Driskill, Dayton Driskill, and Cali Driskill; eight great‑grandchildren—Jake Beeson, Kiley Beeson, Addy Davis, Annisten Davis, Payton Driskill, Hadlee Driskill, Decker Driskill, and Dillon Driskill; and five great‑great‑grandchildren—Isreal Beeson, Hazel Jett, Boaz Beeson, Rose Mary Beeson, and Leo Jett.

Shirley leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and devotion to her family. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

A Celebration of Life honoring Shirley will be held on February 15 from 2:00–4:00 PM at Orchard Park, located at 4808 W. 9th Street North, Wichita, Kansas. Family and friends are welcome to gather, share memories, and celebrate her life together.