Shelley Lillard

Shelley Marie Lillard, 44, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2019, in Lenexa, after a prolonged battle with cancer. Shelley was born on Sept. 3, 1974, in Augsburg, Germany to Larry and Linda (Maroon) Lillard. She graduated valedictorian at Marmaton Valley High School in 1993. She continued her education completing prerequisites for her nursing degree from Kansas State University. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Washburn University in 2001. This was followed by a Master of Science in nursing and from the University of Cincinnati 2010. In 2011 she completed certification requirements and officially became a Board Certified Nurse Midwife.

As a Registered Nurse she worked as a traveling nurse, allowing her to experience living in locations all over the country. The majority of her work as an RN was in Labor and Delivery. It was through these experiences that she developed her passion and desire to become a nurse midwife. She cared greatly for the mothers and babies that she helped as a Labor and Delivery nurse and as a midwife. She delivered a multitude of babies during her career to including one of her nieces. She was committed and passionate to her work and touched the lives of many families.

Shelley loved to travel. She enjoyed countless road trips with friends and family, and especially loved visiting amusement parks. The faster and bigger the roller coasters, the better. Shelley was always involved in music. She played trumpet and sang in the choir in high school, attended concerts and music festivals all over the country. By far her most favorite musical hobby was singing karaoke. She was known for her vast karaoke CD collection, and often invited friends and family over for karaoke parties. Shelley had an amazing sense of humor, and enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. She had an infectious smile that will never be forgotten.

Shelley was preceded in death by her mother, Linda (Maroon) Lillard, as well as her grandparents, Betty and Harold Lillard and John and Margaret Maroon.

She is survived by her father Larry and stepmother Natha of Moran; her aunts Debbie Leavitt of Summerton, S.C., and Dianah Gourley of Booneville Ark.; her stepsister Mashawna Thompson and her husband, Troy, of Edwardsville; her stepbrother Mica Mynatt of Moran; cousins Maralea Gourley-Montalbo, Arlen Gourley, Kristine Barrett, and Chuck Wilson; four nieces, two nephews and many other family and friends who loved Shelley dearly.

A visitation and memorial service will be held Saturday, June 8, at the American Legion Hall in Moran. Visitation will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. with a memorial service beginning at 5:30 p.m. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with end-of-life expenses. Condolences and memorial contributions may be made at Gofundme.com/shelleylillard. Funds raised in excess of expenses will be used to establish a nursing scholarship in Shelley’s name for students of Marmaton Valley High School.