Shirley Ruth (Zumbrunnen) Fischer, 87, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026.
Shirley was born February 17, 1939, near Prairie City, Bates County, Missouri, to Christian and Sophia (Lee) Zumbrunnen. She was baptized on March 12, 1939, and confirmed on October 14, 1951, at Evangelical and Reformed Church in Prairie City, Missouri. Her confirmation Bible verse was Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Her faith in her Lord and Savior remained a central part of her life.
After graduating from Rich Hill high school in 1957, Shirley worked at Great Lakes Pipe Line in Kansas City and Security Bank in Rich Hill.
On August 16, 1959, Shirley married Earl James Fischer at Zion Lutheran Church in Prairie City, Missouri. Together they built a loving home and raised their family. Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cared for her family and served her church and community.
Shirley was a wonderful cook; her family was especially fond of her crescent rolls. Summers were spent gardening, canning, and helping her children prepare for the fair. She generously shared her time and talents as a 4-H project, club, and community leader. Shirley’s faith and love for her Savior were evident throughout her life as she faithfully used the gifts God had given her to serve and bless others. She served as church pianist and organist for over forty years. She was an active member and officer of Zion Ladies Aid and willingly gave her time and talents to support the church and Christian day school in many ways.
Shirley’s greatest joy was her family. She especially cherished her grandchildren and great- grandchildren and was always willing to babysit as long as she was able. Her home was a place of faith, love, good food, laughter, and hospitality. She treasured the time spent with her family and created many memories that will remain with them. After her children were out of school, Shirley worked as a receptionist and bookkeeper at Dr. Lanyon’s dental office in Butler. Shirley and Earl also enjoyed traveling together and took many trips after retirement.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Christian and Sophia (Lee) Zumbrunnen; her brother, Gerald Zumbrunnen and two brothers who died in infancy; her parents-in-law, Alfred and Elsie Fischer; her brother- and sister-in-law, Hubert and Liz Fischer; and her great- granddaughter, Avery O’Farrell.
Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Earl Fischer, of the home; her children, Denise (Gary) O’Farrell, Jeffrey (Sheila) Fischer, Debbie (Ricky) Boin, and Jerrell (Jill) Fischer; her grandchildren, Adam (Jamie) O’Farrell, Kevin (Kristin) O’Farrell, April (Don) Schartman, Krista (Chadd) Greenlee, Brandon (Kelly) Fischer, Michael (Katie) Boin, Megan (Robert)
Chester, Taylor (Kellen) Lippold, and James (Gwen) Fischer; and her great-grandchildren, Reagan, Rylee, Liam, Hayden, Owen, and Colin O’Farrell; Shane Brown; Noah Schartman; Brody, Jackson, and Carys Greenlee; Beau and Grace Fischer; Beckham and Declan Boin; and Caden and Kylie Chester. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Martie Zumbrunnen, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Shirley will always be deeply loved by her family and friends. Her quiet faith, generous heart, loving care, and devotion to her family and church touched countless lives. She will be greatly missed, but her memory will be cherished by all who were blessed to know her.
Visitation will be held August 12, 2026 9 to 10 am at Zion Lutheran Church fellowship hall, Rockville, MO with funeral service to follow at 10 am. Burial will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Prairie City, MO.
Memorial donations may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.
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