Shirley Hagans, 91, longtime resident of rural Utica, Kansas passed away December 16, 2022, in Southlake, Texas. She was born February 18, 1931, outside Utica in Ness County to Thomas F. Jr., and Alice L. (Briggs) Mitten.
Shirley married Don Hagans on Jan. 14, 1951, in Dighton, Kansas. After serving in the Army, the young family settled on the Hagans’ farm outside Utica in Lane County, where they lived until Don’s passing in 2012. In 2013, Shirley relocated to the Southlake, Texas area to be near family, but always considered the farm to be her home. Shirley was proceeded in death by her husband, parents, an infant son Charles, her sister Rita Mitten, and her brother Robert Mitten.
Surviving Shirley are: daughter Beckie (John) Underwood of Southlake, Texas and son Tracey (Debbie) Hagans of Utica, Kansas; grandchildren Cassie Underwood, Whitney (Patrick) Reynolds, Colby Hagans, and Katelyn (Lane) Giess; great-grandchildren Brady and Weston; sister Rondy (Russell) Haug and many nieces, nephews, friends and her faithful beloved four-legged companion, Pup.
Shirley was a talented homemaker and rancher. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing, carpentry, bowling, golf, and traveling with Don to rodeos and steer ropings. Shirley owned her own pasture and her cattle were branded with the “Sh” brand. She valued the lifelong friendships made over the many years pursuing these varied interests.
Shirley will be remembered for her independence, perseverance, and creativity, not to mention her delicious pies, and often requested breakfast and dinner rolls. Her family will never forget the life lessons she taught us through her work ethic and generosity.
Fitzgerald Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.