Shirley Ann Shanks was born at home in Ash Flat, Arkansas on September 26, 1939, to parents Joe Shanks and Frieda Hall. She was saved and Baptized in a creek in Arkansas. Eventually, the family moved to Wichita, Kansas when Shirley was a young child. After finishing High School, she then went to Cosmetology School, and it was at this time she met Jack Dale. They married, and to that union were born three children: Jerry, Kathy, and Mark. The family moved to Stafford County, Kansas where they lived until the children were old enough to leave home. Jack and Shirley followed their love of the Old West and moved to Taos, New Mexico. Eventually, they were divorced and Shirley moved to Cimarron, New Mexico where she lived for thirty years. She owned and ran a store that reflected the Old West called the Outfitters. Due to her involvement in the church, she and other women in the community wanted to be a stronger light for their community. They started “open Hands” saying Open hands to serve, and no closed hands. They eventually bought a store and paid it off with money earned at Open Hands. They served anyone who had a need. After two years, Shirley moved to be closer to her family and immediately became involved at First Christian Church in Larned, where she began working at the church’s Second-hand Store. Shirley passed away peacefully at her brother’s home in Wichita. She loved God and her Country.
Shirley was preceded in death by two sons Jerry and Mark. She is survived by her daughter Kathy Glaze (Eldon), brother Bob Shanks (Janet), brother Fred Shanks (Stephanie), and several grandchildren.
Celebrating the life of Shirley Dale on April 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Sister Hildegrarde Parish Hall in Cimarron, NM This will be a Potluck Luncheon The women from Shirley’s Open Hands Thrift Store will furnish the tableware and drinks. please bring pictures and lots of memories of our beloved Mrs. Shirley to share. Any questions please feel free to contact Louise Johnson at 575-447-2307
