Marilyn Ann Shineman, 90, of Manhattan, Kansas, died on September 18, 2025, in Kansas City. She was born on December 2, 1934, in Frankfort, Kansas, as the second daughter of Lewis and Isla Costello Harry.
Marilyn attended Burnside School for eight years and graduated from Frankfort High School. She met the love of her life, Alan Rex Shineman in sixth grade. Alan told his best friend that he was going to marry that little girl. They were married on May 2, 1953. The couple were members of Cloverleaf Swingers Square Dance Club for 25 years, serving in various offices during that time, and traveled to all fifty states and five countries.
Before having children, she worked at Union National Bank and Kansas Farm Bureau. After raising her family, Marilyn was employed at Anderson Hall in Admissions, the Alumni Association, and the Dean of Engineering’s office at Kansas State University.
She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader for nine years at Bluemont Elementary, participated in the Home Demonstration Unit, and served on the county election board. Marilyn was an active member of First Presbyterian Church and the United Women’s Organization. She regularly walked at the mall, attended strength and chair yoga at Manhattan Senior Center, and assisted with church breakfasts. She enjoyed baking pies for the Fire Department in Bonner Springs, and attending New Dinner Theater. Even at 90, Marilyn embraced life with curiosity and joy—this summer she attended Symphony on the Prairie, learned to swim, and eagerly prepared for a winter cruise with her new passport. Above all, Marilyn will be remembered for her infectious laugh, her kindness, and the love she poured into her family and friends.
Survivors include two children: Kirby (Anne) Shineman of Canon City, Colorado, and Kelly (Rick) Ledgerwood of Basehor, Kansas; grandsons Justin Boyd of Gladstone, Missouri and Michael (Whitnee) Boyd of Lees Summit, Missouri; her sister Marjorie Oliver of Suwannee, Georgia; as well as nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Alan R. Shineman, her parents, younger sister Carol Brady, and niece Sharon Brady.
Visitation will be held on Sunday October 12th from 3:00–5:00 pm at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 am on Monday October 13th at First Presbyterian Church, 800 Leavenworth, Manhattan. Interment will follow at Sunset Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Music Ministry or the Manhattan Senior Center. Contributions and condolences to the family may be sent to Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, Kansas, 66502.