Shirley Grace Mertens Hansen
May 19th, 1928 – October 26th, 2023
It is with broken hearts that we share our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and dearest friend passed from this earth on October 26, 2023. Shirley Grace was born May 19, 1928 to Carl and Myra Mertens in Alameda, CA. Her father worked across the bay for Union Pacific Railroad in the tours department. As a teen Shirley Grace was a waitress at Grand Canyon National Park. She attended Westminster College, receiving a degree in music education, her lifelong passion. She taught in Michigan public schools after graduation. Shirley met her future husband, Joseph W. Hansen, at a canasta game organized by neighbors when both of their families lived in Chicago.
Joe and Shirley married on February 23, 1951. They moved to the St. Louis area where they raised four wonderful children, her proudest accomplishment. Always a teacher and a champion of children, she held kindergarten classes in the basement of their home when the school district cancelled kindergarten classes the year John was scheduled to attend. She was a teacher and later director at Samuel Preschool in Clayton where she was lovingly known as Miss Shirley. She shaped and nurtured thousands of young children during her 26-year career there. Shirley and Joe were members of Samuel United Church of Christ for 71 years where she loved to sing in the choir and taught Sunday school classes. After retiring from her pre school position, she still taught music at the school and played cello in the Silver Strings Ensemble until she was 90.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Joe, her parents and her son in law, Richard Scoville. She is survived by her brother Robert (Marian) Mertens of Spokane Washington, her children, Craig (Marcia) Wichita KS, Laura Scoville, Dunedin FL, John (Paula), Cary NC and Richard, University City MO. Grandchildren Michael Hansen, Lauren (Kevin) Warren, Katherine (Will) Messamore, Christopher (Lily) Scoville, Molly (Garrett) Hansen, Claire (Billy) Bushey, Bryan Hansen, Neil (Jessie) Hansen, Anthony (Macyn) Hansen and 11 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Samuel UCC, 320 N. Forsyth, Clayton, MO on Saturday, November 4 at 3 pm.
There will be visitation from 2 pm to 3 pm before the service and a reception afterwards, also at Samuel UCC. Private interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Donations may be directed to the Shirley G. Hansen Scholarship Fund at Samuel Preschool 320 N. Forsyth, Clayton, MO https://samuelpreschool.org/
She will be missed!
Aunt Shirley touched many lives, just a wonderful person.
I always loved Uncle Joe and aunt Shirley they were my favorite. My heart was broken when Uncle Joe passed away who was my godfather. now my heart is really broken for my aunt Shirley. I’m sorry, to all my cousins she will be missed dearly. Love, Paul hansen and family!
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Hansen family, for Aunt Shirley’s passing.
I’m sure her big heart, her kind nature, and her sharp sense of humor will be greatly missed. Love to all, Larry & Dottie Rapp.
We are very sad to hear about Shirley’s passing. We have known her a long time, as a lover of children and her musical talents. May she rest in Peace!
Our Sincere Sympathies
Dale and Jo Drape
What a beautiful soul. She touched the lives of so many and her legacy will live on in those who knew “Ms Shirley”. A life well lived and I was blessed to have known her.
Shirley was such an amazing person. SHe was the BEST Oatmeal cookie baker EVER.
Our family’s connection to both Shirley and Joe began with our 3 children being enrolled in Samuel’s Pre-School, our son’s Eagle scouting experience with Troop 493, my teaching the 3 year old class at Samuel for 6 years, and one of our 5 grandchildren attending the Pre-School as a “legacy”. Shirley and Joe exhibited the epitome of devotion to each other, their family and to the countless number of children they encountered during their lives. They have both been a blessing in our lives.
Shirley was a wonderful woman, teacher and a lovely human being.
She touched the lives of so many…so many children and parents’ lives were enriched by Miss Shirley!
I have been so honored to play cello with Shirley. She just was a natural-born cellist. Shirley, I still have your rosin, and think of you every time I use it. — Megan