Shirley Mackender

Shirley Sue Mackender, age 89 of Clay Center, passed away Monday, December 24, 2018 at Presbyterian Manor in Clay Center.

She was born on July 18, 1929 in Clay Center, the daughter of Ellsworth and Susie (Randall) Tiers.  Her mother died when she was a baby and she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Della and Plumer Mack.

On July 6, 1947 in Salina, she was married to Earl R. (Bob) Mackender.  He preceded her in death in 1995.

Shirley served in the public for over 25 years in Clay and Riley Counties and was the County Clerk for Clay County from 1975 until her retirement in 1992.  She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Clay Center and was a longtime member of the American Legion and Order of the Eastern Star. She was part of Project Linus, where she made over 2300 quilts for sick children in hospitals and foster children.

She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Sowers and husband Merlin of Clay Center; a daughter-in-law, Teresa Mackender of Wichita; a sister-in-law, Bertha Meyer of Manhattan; five granchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Mitchell (Mike) Mackender and eight siblings.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 29, 2018 at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home with Pat Pierson officiating.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday.  Burial will be in the Bala Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Meadowlark Hospice or Clay County Animal Rescue and Education Center and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.