Shirley E. Davis

Shirley E. (Reaka) Davis was born July 20, 1934 in Topeka, the daughter of Harry and Florence (Pruett) Reaka. She passed away at her home in Topeka on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at the age of 78. Her parents preceded her in death. Funeral services for Shirley will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 1st at Dove Cremation & Funeral Service in Topeka with a private burial at Penwell Gabel Cemetery afterwards. Shirley will be buried next to her mother and her grandmother Ellen Pruett.

Shirley was raised in Topeka and was proud to be a 1952 graduate of Topeka High School. During her school years, Shirley enjoyed singing, both at school and church.

Shirley lived in various parts of the country after graduating, including New Mexico and a dairy farm in New York. After she moved back to Topeka, Shirley worked as an accounting clerk for the State's printing plant and retired after 34 years of service. She attended the Wakarusa Presbyterian Church.

Shirley enjoyed animals of all kinds, especially cats and dogs. She collected owls, which she displayed on the walls and table tops in her apartment. One of her favorite pastimes was eating breakfast with friends from the printing plant, with the Golden Corral being their favorite meeting spot. She knew all of the waitresses and waiters by name. She enjoyed watching old Western television shows like Gunsmoke and Bonanza, as well as old movies. Music, especially old-time music and hymns, remained a part of her life. Shirley enjoyed children and spoiled them with presents and attention. She carried pictures of many of them in her wallet. Although she never had children of her own, she had many "adopted" grandchildren.

Shirley never met a stranger. She will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Helping Hands Humane Society, or charity of the donor's choice.