Shirley G. Crowder

Shirley G. Crowder, 70, of Topeka, passed away on Friday, September 21, 2007 at a Topeka hospital. She was born on March 8, 1937 in Kansas City, MO, the daughter of Ernest C. and Laura M. Lemen Williams. She spent most of her life in Topeka. Prior to 1963, she was employed by Pelleters Department Store, Crosby Brothers Department Store and the Palace Clothing Store either in sales or credit departments. From 1963 to 1969, she was employed by Firestone Tire & Rubber Company as budget and collection manager. In 1970, she became active in the Real Estate business, starting with Town & Country Realtors and most recently with Realty Executives of Topeka, Inc. She was inducted into the Topeka Board of Realtors Master Club in 1994 and was a certified residential specialist. With her husband, John, she purchased and operated the Shack Bar & Grill from March, 1990 until August, 2002. Shirley married John E. Crowder on November 22, 1967 in Topeka. He survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Monica A. Newell and husband, Rusty of Topeka, Mary S. Jacobsma and husband, Doug of Iowa, four sons, Dennis R. Crowder and wife, Roxann of Stafford, VA, Kirk R. Crowder of Charlotte, NC, Joe R. Crowder of Topeka and Roger Council of Charlotte, NC, six grandchildren, Nicholas R. Crowder, Ryan R. Newell, Brent M. Newell, Kelsey E. Crowder, Michael C. Crowder and Nathan A. Schwebach, one brother, Johnnie R. Williams and wife, Vivian of Topeka and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. Shirley will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Monday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will receive friends from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. As per Shirley's wishes, the casket will remain closed. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Florence Crittenton Services, 2649 S.W. Arrowhead Rd., Topeka, KS 66614 or Heart of America Hospice, 3715 S.W. 29th St., Topeka, KS 66614. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com.