Shirley Ann (Sandow) Wendt, age 89, of Manhattan, died March 27, 2024, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.
She was born February 21, 1935, on the family farm near Hope, Kansas, the daughter of Alvin and Clara (Meuli) Sandow.
Shirley graduated from Chapman High School in 1953.
On May 25, 1956, at New Basel Church south of Abilene, she was married to Eugene George Wendt. They moved to Manhattan in 1961.
Shirley worked as a Life Underwriter for Kansas Farm Bureau Life Company for 30 years, retiring in 1997.
She enjoyed reading, baking, flowers and traveling. Her and Eugene had traveled to all the lower 48 states, most of southern Canada, and had visited all of the major cities. They also enjoyed many Prudent Bus Tours. She also enjoyed her monthly “Lunch Bunch” luncheon with her friends. Shirley and Eugene also delivered Meals on Wheels for many years.
Survivors include her husband Eugene of the home; two children: Penne Ainsworth (Scott) of Mercedes, TX, and Bradley Wendt of Kansas City, MO; one sister Marvel Meuli and her husband Dwight of Abilene, KS; two grandchildren: Dusty Ainsworth (Jennifer) and Heather Gatewood; and two great-grandchildren: Jakob and Jaime Grable.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and by her brother Robert Sandow.
She bequeathed her body to the University of Kansas Medical Center. A private family memorial gathering will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Manhattan Emergency Shelter. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.