Lorene Ida Shearer

Lorene Ida Keller Shearer was born on July 6, 1929. She was called home by our Lord on August 7, 2026. She was 97 years old and lived her entire life within eight miles of her birthplace.

She was the fifth child born to Edward and Bessie (Szopenske) Keller on their farm north of Winifred. Her older siblings were her sister, LaVerne (Smith), and brothers, Edward, Virgil and Wallace. She attended Winifred District 88 and Frankfort High School, where she graduated in a class of 47 in 1947.

In 1946, she met Lester Edwin Shearer at a ballgame. They were married on April 20, 1948, and danced through 64 years of marriage. This union was blessed with two children, Stanely Edwin and Cynthia Susan.

Lorene grew up on the farm and moved to town in her junior year of high school, where she began working for many local businesses, starting at Johnson’s Cafe, Ben Franklin’s Variety Store and Gambles. She also worked as a dental assistant for Dr. J. W. Parrott and later as office manager for Dr. Keith Beeman at the Frankfort Veterinary Clinic, where she retired in 1984.

Music always played an important part in her life. She won her first singing contest at age six. She continued her love of music in high school and was asked by Jennie Bronaugh to sing with the Methodist church, where she continued singing for more than 50 years.

She was a member of the Frankfort United Methodist Church for over 70 years, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, served on multiple committees and was active in the United Methodist Women. She was frequently asked by the community to solo at events, weddings or funerals at the Padden Chapel.

Lorene was active in the community and served as chair of one of the Rotary Club cooking groups. She was a Golden Girl member of P.E.O. and served as past president.

She and her husband, Les, were quite the dancers. They enjoyed square dancing, playing Pinochle on Saturday nights with friends, going to ball games and playing lots of golf. After retirement, they loved to travel. They were constantly on the go.

They were avid sports fans and could often be found supporting the Wildcats at both Frankfort High School and K-State, not to mention following the sporting events of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lorene always had a smile on her face and was forever kind and loving. Her glass was always half full and never half empty. She could brighten anyone’s day with her smile and words of encouragement.

Staying up late to finish a good puzzle, a good book or a painting was the norm. She was an avid competitor, whether it was playing high school sports, cards with family or cards with her longtime beloved “Bridge Babes.” She played to win!

Hand embroidery and handmade quilts occupied much of her time. She always loved buying new material for the next one. She handmade quilts for each of her grandchildren and spent many hours at the Care Home, either with the quilting group or leading singing for the residents.

She loved her family, and when she did her 23andMe, as predicted, she was 50% Swiss and 50% Polish after her parents. She attended the Keller Reunion the last weekend of July every year and was the current matriarch. Gatherings with her family at any event meant the world to her.

Most importantly, she knew how to count her blessings and let Jesus walk with her every day. She loved to witness her faith with each person she encountered.

Lorene was blessed to have four grandchildren, Chad Shearer of Frankfort, Kansas, Bradley (Catherine) Roeder of West Chester, Pennsylvania, Andrew (Amiee) Shearer of Olathe, Kansas, and Megan Ahearn and fiancé Sean Hjelle of Chesterfield, Virginia.

She was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren, Steffen (Taylor) and Brooks Shearer, Ella, Milly and Daisy Roeder, Gavin, Bennet and Maren Shearer, and Geroge and Emmett Hjelle; and three great-great-grandchildren, Victoria, Eliazbeth and Henry Shearer.

Lorene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sister and brothers; and an infant great-granddaughter. Being the baby of the family, she was the last member of her generation in both the Keller and Shearer families.

“Well done, good and faithful servant!” — Matthew 25:21

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Frankfort United Methodist Church, with Pastor Stefani Nocktonick officiating. A graveside service will follow at the Frankfort Cemetery. This is to be a colorful celebration of a life well lived with joy and music. No mourning, no black.

A memorial fund has been established in Lorene’s name for the Frankfort United Methodist Church or the Frankfort Community Care Home and may be sent in care of Padden Funeral Chapel, C/o Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508