01/06/2026
Shirley Evelyn Baum
Shirley Evelyn Baum of Ozark, Missouri passed away on December 27th, 2025.
Shirley was born May 18th, 1936 in Hartshorn, Missouri to George and Letha Norris.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Harold, her daughter Rebecca, and her siblings, Lois Akins, and Doug Norris.
She is survived by her children, Mary and her husband Jim Jackson (Springfield, Missouri), Patricia and her husband Mike Whisler (Willard, Missouri), Ann Vunovic (Springfield, Missouri), Matthew Baum and his wife Terra (Springfield, Missouri). She was blessed with seven grandchildren, Lindsey Payne, Jason Whisler, Bryan Whisler, Brianne Duvall, Jordan Jackson, Hope Williams and Spenser Williams. She was further blessed with nine great grandchildren, Brooklynn Schweighauser, Emmitt, Ila, and Millie Whisler, Sloane and Collins Whisler, Paisley and Delaney Jackson, and Theodore Dalton.
She was a devout Catholic her whole life and served for 37 years at St. Joseph’s Church (Springfield, Missouri). Due to her dedication to her faith, and church family, she humbly served in many church activities, such as Lector, Eucharistic minister, and RCIA. Her proudest achievement in her service was creating the church’s food pantry with Harold and Becky. This was a passion project of theirs which began in the late 80’s serving peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to a handful of families, and with their leadership has grown to a thriving food service pantry providing meals for over 200 families per week.
Her first love outside of her faith was her family. She was madly in love with Harold and remained true to him to her last. After his passing, she would often share the story of how she fell in love with him on that first hay ride they took, so many years ago. Together, they built a strong family, through thick and thin, and above all she cherished spending quality time with her children and grandchildren. She was a lifelong caregiver to her daughter Becky and she raised all her children as a full-time parent. She loved to sew and quilt and made many heirlooms for her family to treasure. Shirley enjoyed staying in to watch her favorite scary movies with her pup, Austin, and cat, Stella nearby. She would often be found spending time with friends at the Ozark Senior Center, Sands Café and Rosie Jo’s, and was known to hop aboard the bus to Downstream for some serious slot machine gaming.
Her children will remember her as a devoted mother who had a knack with down-home sayings and turning a phrase. On an unrelated note, if anyone reading this has any idea what “cat fur to make a pair of kitten britches” means, please contact us. We’ve been trying to figure that one out for 50+ years.
Shirley was the heart of the family and provided a love-filled and warm home in which we all flourished. Her kindness and loving nature will be sorely missed by all who knew her, family and friends alike.
The family would like to extend special thanks and recognize Cindy and Susan with Integrity Home Health for the devotion and care they provided, which allowed Shirley to enjoy her final years in the comfort of her home.
Visitation will be held from 5-6 pm Friday, January 9, 2026 at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut Street, in Springfield, Missouri.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, January 10, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1115 N. Campbell in Springfield Missouri with Father Pompeyo Tann, OSB celebrating. Immediately following the service, lunch will be served next door. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made to Ozark’s Food Harvest in memory of Shirley Baum. All donations made in her name will be directed to the St. Joseph Food Pantry she loved.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com
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