Shirley Vansandt

Shirley Juanita Vansandt of Smithville, Missouri departed this life on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at St. Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri surrounded by her family.

Shirley was born September 3, 1925 in Spickard, Missouri the daughter of Clifford and Pearl Ada (Cartmill) McLaughlin and spent much of her childhood living in northern Missouri and central Iowa. Shirley moved to Archie, Missouri as a teenager where she made lifelong friendships, graduated from high school and met her future husband. She was united in marriage to D. Leroy Vansandt on November 30, 1946 in Argentine, Kansas. Shirley was a hard worker all her life. She worked for a restaurant and bakery while still in high school and after marriage and moving to South Kansas City, was employed by Western Electric in Lee’s Summit. She retired from Western Electric after 22 years and remained in touch for decades with the many friends she made there. After retirement, Shirley enjoyed working on the farm, traveling and her favorite pastime, horse racing. She loved the beauty and spirit of racehorses and the challenge of picking winners.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, Denver and Gordon.

Shirley is survived by her beloved husband of 71 years, Leroy Vansandt, son Wayne (Michelle) Vansandt of Blue Springs, MO, daughters Julene (Jim) Kost of Gladstone, MO and Brenda Smith of Independence, MO, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Rest in peace Momma Van.


Funeral services were held Saturday, August 25, 2018 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. Burial will be in the Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, Missouri.

The family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.