Shirley Rose Muench

Shirley Rose Muench, 86, passed peacefully of natural causes on November 20, 2022, at St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor, WA. 

Shirley was born December 15, 1935, in St. Louis, MO to Carl and Nellie (Johnson) Cox.  Later, the family moved to Fairview Heights, IL, where Shirley became a member of the Radio Church of God and was introduced to Louis Muench. Shirley and Louis were married in Illinois on June 25, 1967, at the home of Virgil Simmons.  In 1971 Shirley and Louis moved to Wyoming, where Louis took a position with Philips Oil, which kept the family moving throughout the west until they settled in Cashion, Oklahoma in 1979. The couple then moved to Geary, Oklahoma in 1988 until their retirement in Illinois.  In 2008, Shirley moved to Gig Harbor, WA where she was a resident of Mallard’s Landing until her passing.

Shirley was known for her outgoing personality as well as for her volunteer work through Catholic Community Services which included tutoring children at Purdy Elementary, the YMCA, and the Boys and Girls Club.  A true social butterfly, she often led events in her community and especially enjoyed hosting movie nights.with her curated collection of classic movies.  She also had a great passion for art and enjoyed painting with watercolors and oils, which she shared through her encouragement of children's budding artistic talents.  Shirley was always very active and enjoyed walks in nature, sightseeing, and road trips.  Her strong, fighting spirit will always inspire her friends and family.

Shirley was preceded in death by her WWII veteran brothers Fred, John (Jack) and Carl Cox, all of St. Louis, as well as by an adopted out brother, Charles P. Marshall of Harrisburg, IL.  She is survived by her brother Frank Cox and daughter Ruth Fisher of Gig Harbor, WA; her sons Henry and Carl Muench of Shattuc, IL; and her five grandchildren: Kailin, Angela, Jacob, David, and Makaylah. 

At her wishes, Shirley will be interned in O’Fallon, IL, with a graveside Memorial Service held at O’Fallon Cemetery at 1pm on December 28.  This will be followed by a reception at 2pm at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 West Washington Street, O Fallon, Illinois.  Guests are welcome to attend one or both services. 

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