Shirley Mae (Sapaugh) Dean

Shirley Mae (Sapaugh) Dean was born July 21, 1937, in Salem, Missouri. She was the daughter of Sylvan and Dorothy Mabel (Petty) Sapaugh. Shirley grew up in Salem and graduated with the class of 1956 from Salem High School. Shirley was united in marriage to the love of her life, Earnest Jack Dean, on February 9, 1957. They were blessed with three children: identical twins Bonnie and Margie, and Eugene. Shirley and Earnest shared together sixty years of marriage before his passing April 25, 2017. In her early working years, Shirley worked as a seamstress with the International Shoe Factory and the coat factory. She was a talented seamstress and often had a project in the works in her spare time. Her passion and talent led her to her main hobby of quilting, which was evident in her craftsmanship and dedication. All her children and grandchildren had quilts made for them. When she wasn’t quilting, she loved to keep her hands busy doing needlework. Her talent didn’t end there, Shirley also enjoyed restoring old trunks that she often found at yard sales and auctions. Whether it was leather, wood, or iron, she took great pride in her work. Shirley had a green thumb and loved to tend to her flower beds and garden. Shirley was a social butterfly; she was very outgoing loved spending time with her family and friends. She adored her grandchildren and cherished the time they spent together. Shirley was a passionate giver, very few people visited her home without leaving with something. Her generosity knew no bounds, and her warmth touched the lives of everyone that knew her. Her faith in the Lord was evident in every aspect of her life. Shirley was a longtime member of Liberty Baptist Church. Shirley entered eternal rest September 26, 2024, in Salem, Missouri, at the age of eighty-seven years. Those left behind to treasure her memory include her daughter: Margie Butler of Salem, MO; siblings: James Sapaugh of Salem, MO, Eldon Sapaugh of Salem, MO; and Linda Dinzler of St. Louis, MO; sister-in-law and friend: Mary Bacon; grandchildren: Justin Dean, Jessica Dodd, and Benjamin Butler; great-grandchildren: Maci, Triston, and Sophia, as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding her in death were her husband: Earnest Dean; daughter: Bonnie Dean; son: Eugene Dean; parents: Sylvan and Mabel Sapaugh; and brothers: Jewell Sapaugh and Eugene Sapaugh. Shirley leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, kindness, and generosity. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She will be forever missed. Funeral Services for Shirley Mae (Sapaugh) Dean were held Tuesday, October 1, 2024, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Chris Hendrix officiating. Song selections played were “Old Rugged Cross”, and Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” Serving as Pallbearers were Chase Sapaugh, Darrell Sapaugh, Jamie Sapaugh, Matt Sapaugh, Stephen Sapaugh, and Benjamin Butler. Honorary Pallbearer were Matt Sapaugh. Burial was in the Stone Hill Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Shirley Dean to Liberty Baptist Church and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Condolences may be left online at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Shirley Mae (Sapaugh) Dean

July 21, 1937 - September 26, 2024