OSWEGO — Shirley Ann (O’Hara) Casey, 89, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and cherished friend, rural Oswego, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Oswego Health and Rehab Community.
She found strength in prayer, comfort in scripture readings and peace in the promise of eternal life.
She was born April 10, 1935, in Parsons to F.M. O’Hara Sr. and Mary Jane Wilson. She was the oldest of five children.
She was a 1953 graduate of St. Patrick’s High School in Parsons.
She married the love of her life, T. Dean Casey, on July 20, 1957, in Erie, and they spent 55 years enjoying life together. They could be found at their children’s and grandchildren’s community and sporting events, working cattle and hauling grain.
She was very dedicated to her working roles at Parsons Cold Storage and Ice Co., Census Bureau, Kansas Army Ammunition Plant, Fumetco, IGA grocery store and Casey Brothers Building Materials. From creating beautiful ice rings with flowers to loading lumber on a hot summer day, no job was too big or too small. At the family owned lumber yard, she always greeted customers with a smile and kids with cookies from under the counter.
Shirley’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family and friends. Her holiday gatherings were eagerly anticipated by family and friends alike. She enjoyed watching westerns, traveling and casinos. Playing wahoo, dominos, old maid and other games with her great-grandson was one of her favorite pastimes. She had a special way of making everyone feel welcome. Shirley was a proud supporter of the Labette County Fair Association, a 4-H leader and spent many years helping with the Oswego Little League baseball and softball programs as a board member.
She is survived by her daughter, Judy (Gary) Roberts; a grandson, Dallas Dean Casey; a great-grandson, Carsen Dean Casey; sisters, Mary Jo Ruttgen and Cathy (Gary) Woolard; a brother, F.M. (Mike) O’Hara Jr.; a sister-in-law, Melba Barlow; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, T. Dean Casey; a daughter, Mary Faye Inman Duggar; a son, Larry Dean Casey; sons-in-law, Dallas Inman and David Duggar; and a brother, Patrick O’Hara.
Shirley was a woman of strength, kindness and unwavering love, a truly selfless lady who will forever be etched into our hearts. We will forever cherish the memories of her laughter, her wisdom and the immeasurable love she shared with us.
At her request, a graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at the Oswego Cemetery in Oswego. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home to sign the register book.
The family suggests memorials to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice or Oswego Health and Rehab. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS, 67357.
The family would like to express its gratitude to the wonderful help and care given by the doctors and nursing staff at Oswego Health and Rehab, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Labette Health and Home Town Health Care.
Leave online condolences at www.forbeshoffman.com.
