Hilda Jane Shelby Beshore

Hilda Jane Shelby Beshore, 97, of Rich Hill, Mo., died Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011, at Christian Health Care in Nevada. She was born Aug. 17, 1913, to Maxwell and Julia Alice Hamilton Shelby in Allen County, Kan.

Hilda, the older of two daughters, grew up in Allen County, near lola, Kan. She attended school in Lincoln and lola and furthered her education at Allen County Junior College. Hilda continued her education even further and went one year at Warrensburg's Teacher College in Warrensburg, Mo. On June 16, 1946, she was united in marriage to Irvin Beshore in the small community of Happy Hill, south of Butler, Mo. Hilda was a dedicated homemaker and made her family and home her first priority. She worked for 10 years as a supervisor at West Central Community Action Agency. Hilda taught Sunday school for many years at Happy Hill Methodist Church and later attended Rich Hill United Methodist Church. She gave of her time and volunteered often -- devoting at least 30 hours weekly to volunteer services. Hilda served as treasurer of the Happy Hill Home Helpers and was a great help to the Bates County Hospital Auxiliary.

Hilda enjoyed flower gardening and listening to classical music. She also enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles and time spent with her grandchildren. Keeping the cookie jar full was a challenge she relished. Her motto was, "I'd rather wear out than rust out!"

The farmhouse where Irvin was born was Hilda's home well into her 90s. Many lifelong friends and neighbors remain. Her final years were spent in the loving care of the wonderful staff of friends at Christian Health Care in Nevada.

Hilda is survived by her son, Charlie Beshore and wife, B.J., Rich Hill, Mo.; her daughter, Susan McManus and husband, Marty, of St. Louis, Mo.; a stepdaughter, Willa Troxel and husband, Wendall, of Moran, Kan.; daughter-in-law, Judy Waite of Rich Hill, Mo.; a stepdaughter-in-law, Opal Beshore of lola, Kan.; five grandchildren, Tyson Beshore and wife, Kristy, Tiffany Myers and husband, Tom, Pam Brown and husband, Bob, Brian Waite and wife, Jacque, and Chet Waite and wife, Melinda; 11 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; numerous stepgrandchildren and their families; and very special caregiver and friend, Pam Tourtilloit. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Irvin, in 1987; one son, Tom Waite; a stepson, Galen Beshore; and one sister, Faye Dudley.

Funeral services were held 2 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 25, at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Mo., with the Rev. Mark Kailbourn officiating. Visitation was 1-2 p.m., Tuesday, at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial was in Prairie City Cemetery, Prairie City, Mo.

Contributions may be made to Butterfield Youth Services or Prairie City Cemetery.

Online condolences, www.schowengerdtchapel.com.