Shirley Ann Caplinger

Shirley Ann Caplinger, 71, passed away on January 5, 2006 at her home following a long illness. She was the only child of Albert and Lillian Deem Rogers, born on November 18, 1934, in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
She was a graduate of Parkersburg High School and attended Rosier College and Mountain State University where she served as President of the Gamma Beta Society. She was a licensed real estate agent in West Virginia and Ohio.
She married Robert Cook on April 15, 1950, who is deceased.
She moved to Topeka, Kansas in 1961 working for Hershel Stroud, DDS and Goodyear. She then was employed by James M. Caplinger, Chartered in 1967 where she helped develop a law firm specializing in utility law nationwide and a statewide telephone association.
On September 28, 1979, she married James M. Caplinger and enjoyed traveling around the world on many occasions.
During her lifetime Shirley championed the causes of animal rights and environmental protection.
She is survived by her three children, Jennifer Haller of Topeka, Jeffrey Cook and his wife Rhonda, Port Charlotte, Florida and Scott Cook, Branson, Missouri; and three stepchildren, Sharon Keyes, Colorado Springs, Colorado, James M. Caplinger, Jr. and his wife, Pam, Mark Caplinger and his wife, Nancy all of Topeka and fifteen grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Shelley DeAnn Kopp and her parents Lillian Deem Waggoner and Paul Waggoner.
Shirley was a bright angel to everyone she touched and was the love of not only her family but her many friends. She followed her dreams with courage, and was strong in spirit, mind and body. She will leave a void in everyone's life.
Shirley was cremated and a memorial service will be held at Penwell Gable Mid Town Chapel at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 11, 2006. Inurnment will follow at Penwell Gable Memorial Park Cemetery.
Shirley's request is for no flowers but donations to the Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 N.W. Rochester Rd., Topeka, Ks. 66617 or the Cat Association of Topeka, 1719 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, Ks. 66604 and to always be helpful to God's creatures.