Shirley Townsend

Shirley Mae Townsend, 73, of Cassville, Mo., died Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at Freeman Health Systems in Joplin, Mo. She was born Feb. 2, 1941, in Sayre, Okla., the daughter of Ruth Cummings and Robert Richardson. She worked at Model Laundry for over 20 years, also she loved gardening. She enjoyed spending time with her family and especially her grandkids. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, William Franklin Shipman; and two grandchildren, Tessa Randolph and Heather Randolph. Shirley is survived by her significant other of 30 years, John Holcomb of Cassville, Mo.; one son, Mark Shipman and his significant other, Cindy Smith, of Louisiana; four daughters, Teresa Taylor of Elm Springs, Deborah Arducan of Elm Springs, Cynthia Oxford and her significant other, Robert, of Exeter, Mo., Julie Cook of Cassville, Mo.; three brothers, LeRoy Richardson of Decatur, Robert "Bobby" Richardson and his wife, Wanda, of Rogers, Roger "Red" Richardson and his significant other, Lorrie, of Berryville; two sisters, Roberta Richardson of Texas, Alma Maynard of Texas; many cousins, numerous grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. A celebration of her life will be Sunday at Mustang Creek in Powell, Mo., at 2 p.m. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home, Bella Vista. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.