Shirley Elizabeth Kidwell Bruning went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 27, 2026 in Denton, TX. She was born on July 22, 1925, in Robinson, KS to Guy C. and Joy (McCauley) Kidwell. She graduated from Robinson High School. She was raised on a farm during the depression and learned the value of hard work. She helped her parents with farm work while her brothers were serving in WWII. Her favorite memory was driving the tractor.

She married her high school sweetheart, John W. Bruning on February 26, 1945. They were married for 57 years, until John passed away in 2002. Shirley graduated from Chillicothe Business College while John was a Marine serving in WWII. She did office work while John attended Emporia State Teacher’s College. John taught in Eskridge, KS and Marysville, KS before making their permanent home in Winfield, KS in 1953.

Shirley worked at the Snyder Clinic until they adopted Mary in 1959. Shirley later graduated from Southwestern College with a degree in education. She also obtained her Reading Specialist credential from Wichita State University. Shirley taught secondary reading at Winfield High School until both she and John retired in 1988.

Shirley knew Jesus Christ and was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she was involved in various ministries over the years. She was also active in several community clubs. She loved to play bridge and played with many lifelong friends until 2005, when she moved to Denton, TX to be near her daughter and family. She continued playing bridge as long as her health permitted. She enjoyed time with her grandsons and their wives, and she especially loved time spent with her twin great granddaughters. Shirley, Mary, Jillian, and Jenna had a sweet tradition of baking Halloween and Christmas cookies together for several years.

Shirley had a wonderful celebration of her 100th birthday, both with her family and with her Assisted Living facility. She was a strong and persevering woman until her body wore out, and she was ready to meet her Lord in heaven.

Shirley is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Mary and Bruce Winter, her grandsons Jared (Jessica) Winter and Max (Jamie) Winter, and her twin great granddaughters Jillian and Jenna Winter.

A family graveside service will be held on June 19 at 2:30 p.m. at Highland Cemetery in Winfield, KS with arrangements by DeBerry Funeral Home of Denton, TX.

The family expresses deep gratitude to the kind caregivers at Denton Village Assisted Living Facility and Concho Hearts Hospice of Pilot Point for the gentle and loving care they gave Shirley.

Memorials can be made to:
Concho Hearts Hospice of Pilot Point, TX
1016 N Industrial Blvd
Pilot Point, TX 76258 
https://www.conchoheartshospice.com