Shirley Elizabeth Laue, age 99, of Hanover, KS, passed away on June 7, 2026, at the Hanover Hospital Long Term Care.

Shirley was born January 31, 1927, in Hanover, KS, to Carl and Katherine (Mueller) Hoffman. She attended school in Hanover and graduated in 1944. Following high school, she attended Kansas State University before returning to Marysville, KS, where she worked at a radio factory during the war.

On February 29, 1948, Shirley was united in marriage to LeRoy Lawrence Laue following his return from service in the United States Navy. The couple made their home in Hays, KS, while LeRoy worked in construction, and were blessed with a daughter, Michal Elizabeth. They later returned to Hanover, and their family was completed with the birth of their son, Randy Lee. Shirley devoted her early years to raising her children, and once they were in school, she owned a dry cleaners, later worked as a school secretary, and eventually as a clerk at Schwartz’s grocery store.

Shirley and LeRoy shared a love of traveling and collecting antiques, which they enjoyed selling to dealers. They continued this hobby until LeRoy’s passing in 2000. In later years, Shirley continued to travel, often with her daughter, Michal. Among their many trips, her favorite was a visit to Ireland.

Shirley was raised in the Evangelical United Brethren Church and later became a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hanover.

She enjoyed quilting, knitting, and tending to her flowers and vegetable garden. Shirley also had a great love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, LeRoy; brother, Wayne "Corky" Hoffman; and nephew, Curt Hoffman.

Survivors include her daughter, Michal Elizabeth (Gene) Tallman; son, Randy Lee (Romana "Moni") Laue; grandchildren, Zachary (Lana Medina) Tallman, Kristen Lynn (Phillip) Goodyear, and Callie Maye (Andre) Trudell; and great-grandchildren, Maddox LeRoy Tallman, Ethan Goodyear, Caden Goodyear, Macy Goodyear, Braylee Trudell, Luke Trudell, and Aubry Trudell.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to the Washington County Community Foundation and the Hollenberg Pony Express Station. Memorials may be sent in care of Hanover Mortuary, c/o Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS, 66508.