Shirley Workman

Shirley Workman, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on May 17, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas. Born on November 21, 1935, in Harveyville, Kansas, she filled her years with warmth, laughter, and the delicious scents of her kitchen. A graduate of Harveyville Rural High, class of 1953, Shirley dedicated her life to caring for her family, crafting a home filled with love and joy.

Her talents in the kitchen were legendary; she made the best pies, from apple to pecan and butterscotch, all while sharing wonderful fudge and delightful Christmas cookies. Each year, Shirley would create a beautiful platter of cookies to share with everyone, a gesture that highlighted her generous spirit and love for bringing people together.

Shirley was not just a remarkable cook; she was a vibrant personality known for her spunky and ornery demeanor. She filled her home with laughter, often singing joyfully with her sisters during her younger years. Shirley had a passion for gardening, nurturing her flowers with love, and shared countless hours watching birds with her devoted husband, H. Duane Workman, whom she married on April 11, 1954, in Harveyville, Kansas. They were true partners, inseparable and devoted, spending their lives creating beautiful memories side by side.

Her love extended to her children, Scott (Rose Schuh) Workman, Todd (Marilyn) Workman, and Shawn Workman, who remember her as a source of unwavering support and affection. As a grandmother, she took immense pride in her grandchildren: Travis (Allye) Workman, Michael (Tyndol) Turkovic, Sarah (Luke) Whittemore, Savannah (Ryan) Workman-Zeferjahn, Bobby Hegemann, Rachel Hegemann, Nathan Schuh and Eman Dahan and cherished the role of great-grandmother to Wesley, Lily, Harper, Christian, Kalea, Remi and Georgia.

Shirley was preceded in death by her siblings Eldon Bruce, Morris Bruce, Pauline Dunlap, Beth Chatham, and Judith Borsdorf, as well as her beloved parents, James H. Bruce and Elva Leona (Cripps) Bruce.

While Shirley's presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of love, family values, and culinary masterpieces will remain cherished memories in the hearts of all who knew her. She leaves behind not just recipes, but a lasting impression of kindness and joy.

Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025 at Parker-Price & Davidson, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka, KS 66608. The family will greet friends an hour prior to the service. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Northland Christian Church, 3012 North Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66617 or to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St, Topeka, KS 66604.

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