Shirley M. (Ellis) Greiner

 Shirley M. Ellis Greiner, the youngest daughter of Clyde W. Ellis and Mina Mae Packard was born Dec. 1st, 1922, in Trenton, Missouri. Mrs. Greiner passed away Friday, February 19th, 2021, at Avista Senior Living in Phoenix, Arizona, from complications of congestive heart failure. She had made Phoenix her home for the last ten years.

Shirley met Robert R. Greiner, a US Army Air Corp Sgt., in 1943 while working at the Glen L. Martin airplane factory, where Shirley was a parts supervisor.  They were married two years later on Sept. 29th, 1945 in Omaha, Nebraska.   

They had been married nearly 63 years, when Bob passed away on Father’s Day, June 15th, 2008 in Trenton, Missouri. after a courageous battle with colon cancer.  

She was a professional seamstress for nearly 50 years and raised their four daughters as Bob climbed the corporate ladder, moving 20 times crisscrossing the Midwest. After Bob retired, he and Shirley spent ten years as “Snowbirds”, pulling their travel-trailer from Minnesota to Weslaco, Texas, where they spent the winter having fun with other retired folks from Trenton. 

From a musical family, Shirley had a fine soprano voice and loved music. She was a talented quilter and amateur painter. Her favorite color was blue. She was an excellent cook and baker, especially Christmas cookies. Her pie crust would melt in your mouth. She loved gardening and bird watching. Shirley was a descendant of the Mayflower passengers and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Her most memorable times were spent at the family cabin in the Northwoods of Minnesota, catching those big crappies. .

The last of her generation, she was a hardworking, independent Christian woman who strongly believed that her purpose on this Earth was to help others, and so, she gave of her time and talents wherever she lived. 

After Bob retired, Shirley and Bob lived here in Trenton for 20 years on Town and Country lane. She volunteered at the food pantry, the thrift shop, the senior center, the hospital and the VFW. She was an active member at the First Christian Church, here in Trenton and an exceptional volunteer. For many years, She made hundreds of colorful mints for  wedding receptions as a member of the reception committee.

She was a devoted and loving caregiver to family, friends and neighbors, her entire life.

“G.G.” as she was affectionately called by the youngest in her family, is survived by her four daughters:  Mrs. Cheryl Ann Bibler (William), Mrs. Barbara Lynn Janson (Richard), Mrs. Janet Sue Kinney (Ronald) and Patricia Marie Travis, 7 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. 

Shirley will be fondly remembered for her generosity, humility, and sweet personality .She faced each challenge in her life with dignity, grace and faith in God.  She will always be admired for her work ethic and her determination in the face of adversity- even until her final days.  

Shirley has come home to join her husband and the Tapscott-Ellis family in the Trenton Masonic Cemetery.

 A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of this extraordinary woman, Mrs. Shirley Greiner at Trenton Masonic Cemetery on Saturday, April 24th, 2021 at 1 pm graveside.  Please join us in saying a final goodbye to this beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great grandmother, knowing she is finally at rest with the Lord.

 In lieu of flowers, Shirley requested donations be made to First Christian Church of Trenton or Joseph L. Norton VFW Post 919 (supporting the food pantry, senior center, Salvation Army).

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