Shirley Jean Asbell

Shirley Jean Asbell passed away on December 2nd, 2020 at the age of 76 years old at Gower Convalescent Center.

Shirley is survived by her Daughter Donetta Morgan (Jim) of Kansas City, Mo, son Kenny Conn of Kansas City, Mo, granddaughter Kourtnea Atkins (Dustin) and great-granddaughters Emmy Atkins plus soon to be Wrenley Atkins of Kansas City, Missouri, grandson Dylan Morgan (Brittany) and a Great-grandson Jameson Morgan of Smithville, Mo. Sister Patsy Gill of Independence, Mo. and Judy Turner of Rich Hill, Mo. and Brothers Raymond Ellis (Joyce) of Cameron, Mo. and John Ellis (Harriett) of Kansas City, Mo. Along with many Nieces, Nephews, Loved Ones and two Very Special Ones who became very dear to her, Thank You Carla, Katie and Kassie. 

 She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 25 years James Asbell, her Parents Pat and Martha (Lloyd)Ellis, two brothers Buck Ellis, Jim Ellis, and one sister Janette Nevins.

She suffered a massive stroke in September 1998, she did 3 months of rehab at NKCH and then went on to live a long fun filled life with her daughter and her family for almost 20 years. She then moved to Gower Convalescent Center in 2017. She wasn’t sure about it at first but she came to Love it in time and didn’t want to be gone long when she would go home to visit. 

All I can say is Life doesn’t come with a Manual, but it does come with a Mom. Mine was one of a kind she was a well oiled machine and stick of dynamite all rolled into one! Her favorite line when I was young was always, are you sure you want to light my fuse. Needless to say I may have lit that little fuse one to many times. It didn’t take long before I learned how much damage that small little stick of dynamite could do! She may of only been 5’1” and a little over a 100lbs she was like Andre the Giant, because she was a woman who never backed down from a fight and always made sure she got the last word in! 

Mothers are like glue, even when you can’t see them, they are still holding the family together. She was our families glue for many years just like her momma was. She taught me that many years ago how important family was and how you do for those that need it. She taught me to be a caregiver and to take care of our family, just as she took care of her mom and dad, plus many others throughout the years. She never turned anyone away. She taught me to respect my elders, to come home when the street lights came on and to never ask twice. 

She loved my baby brother, he was challenged in life and she protected him but would give him a pie recipe of her mind too! She loved going to garage sales, fishing, camping and cleaning. She would rearrange furniture on a weekly bases, decorate her room, move everything around and could just piddle in her room for hours. She loved looking at old pictures and reminiscing too.

She has left us many great memories to laugh and cry about but they will be with us forever. We Love U Momma and will see you again one day.

Due to Covid restrictions the family will be having a private funeral, but will be having Lantern send off in January 26th, 2021. 

The family will be sharing more information at a later time.