Shirley Jean Svaty, 88, of Lucas, Kansas, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2024.
Shirley was born on January 28, 1936, on the family farm in Lincoln County. She was one of eight children born to Clyde and Velma (Yarnell) Mettlen. She grew up in the Lucas area. She attended Lucas High School.
Shirley was united in marriage to Melvin Svaty on August 24, 1952, in Lucas. Their union resulted in 4 children, Lori, Lynn, Melvin, and Michael.
Shirley became a homemaker on her and Melvin’s farm north of Lucas, but, she was so much more than a homemaker. She was an amazing quilter, she taught herself to paint pictures and was always designing something for her husband Melvin or son Michael to build. After her children were grown and left home Shirley ventured off the farm to work at many of the businesses in Lucas, including but not limited to; Lucas Nursing Home, K-18 Cafe, Luray-Lucas Elementary School, Troy’s Grocery, Hay Plant, and others. Shirley was known for being a hard worker, rarely did you see her sitting and doing nothing.
Shirley’s surviving family includes; daughters Lori (Gary)Ward of Lucas, and Lynn (Gene) Angel of Paradise, son Michael (Stephanie) Svaty of Sylvan Grove; sisters Bernadine Minear Lincoln, Joan (Tony) Farndale San Carlos, California, brother Larry (Verna) Mettlen Lincoln, 9 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Merle Svaty, son Melvin Merle Svaty Jr., Son in Law Gary Gene Ward, grandson Joshua Ward, brothers, William Alexander Mettlen, Billy Jack Mettlen, Max Robert Mettlen, Delmar Mettlen, and her parents.