Shirley Jean (Strain) Bergner

August 13, 1940 - November 28, 2020

Shirley Jean (Strain) Bergner was born on August 13, 1940 in Granite City, Illinois to William Clay and Beatrice Ellen (Jondro) Strain and passed away on November 28, 2020 surrounded by her loving family at home in Salem, Missouri at the age of eighty years. Shirley grew up in Eminence, Missouri and graduated with the Class of 1958 from Salem High School. She married the love of her life, Norman Lee Bergner on August 1, 1958 in Salem, Missouri and together shared sixty years of memories before his passing on December 28, 2018. Shirley and Norman were blessed with three daughters, Belinda, Kathy, and Mary Kay. Shirley was a hard worker and started her working career as an Aide with Ozark Hills State School, she loved and cared for the children there. Shirley co-managed Bottorff Furniture and Appliance alongside her husband for nearly forty years. She was an excellent salesperson and knew how to demonstrate a microwave. For a short time, Shirley also worked at Barrards Lingerie and for National Reserve insurance company in Oklahoma. Shirley was a devoted Christian and long-time member of Grace Community Church; she was a natural-born speaker and had a servant’s heart. Shirley served in a variety of ways within the church but truly enjoyed ministering through the “Young at Heart” and Nursing Home Ministries. Shirley also supported Norman in the Deacon Ministry for many years. Shirley’s hobbies include crafting and sewing, but most importantly, Shirley loved spending time with her loved ones. Family was most important to her and she deeply cherished family gatherings and treasured spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shirley is survived by her loving children: Belinda Crocker and husband Gary of Oklahoma City, OK, Kathy Wood and husband Loren of Salem, MO, and Mary Kay Hampton and husband Ben of Oklahoma City, OK; brother: William “Bill” Strain of Salem, MO; brother-in-law: David Bergner and wife Sharon of Salem, MO; grandchildren: Nick Crocker and wife Amanda of Salem, MO, Dani Baldwin and husband Curt of Salem, MO; Tabi Parks and husband Mike of Salem, MO, and Ryleigh Johnson and husband Brandon of Oklahoma City, OK; honorary granddaughter: Alexa Hampton; great-grandchildren: Hailey Baldwin, Khloe Baldwin, Cole Crocker, Kyler Baldwin, Rue Crocker, and Asher Parks; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Preceding her in death, husband: Norman Lee Bergner; parents: William and Beatrice Strain; and brother: Tom Strain. Shirley will be remembered for her sweet spirit and the beautiful smile on her face. She will be forever missed by all who knew and loved her. Funeral Services for Shirley Jean (Strain) Bergner were held Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Grace Community Church with Pastor Terry Davis officiating. Special Music was provided by pianist: Christy Leathers; soloist: Willie White, and flute duet by Dani Baldwin and Tabi Parks. Serving as Pallbearers were Gary Crocker, Curt Baldwin, Loren Wood, Brandon Johnson, Ben Hampton, Mike Parks, Nick Crocker, Cole Crocker, Kyler Baldwin, and Asher Parks. Burial was in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Shirley Jean Bergner to Young at Heart at Grace Community Church. Online condolences may be entered at wilsonmortuary.com