Shirley Nell Phillips Gass, 80, Christian Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Muvie, and Friend,  passed away peacefully on Friday, January 14, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born to Leslie and Nellie Prather Phillips on September 25, 1941 in Haskell, TX.

 

Shirley began her early schooling in the Sunset community before transfering to school in Munday, TX  where she met and later married her high school sweetheart, Byron Gass. They made their home in the country on the family farm where they raised their 3 children and ran a successful farming operation for over 40 years. 

 

Those left to cherish Shirley’s memory are her husband of 62 years,  Byron of Goree, TX., daughter Lezlie Parrish and husband Tommy of Lubbock, daughter Marsha Quade and husband Kerry of Knox City, son James Gass and wife Angela

of Burkburnett, and “adopted” son Shorty Gass and wife Mary of Goree. She is also survived by her greatest treasures, her grandchildren: Michael McGaughey and wife Tandy of Knox City, Tamara Urbanczyk and husband Kevin of Knox City, Alyssa Richardson and husband Tyler of Lubbock, Lexi Ruth and husband Brady of Lubbock, Mackenzie Key and husband Jonathan of Weatherford, OK, Dillon Loftiss of Wichita Falls, and Kellen Loftiss and wife Bonnie of Lubbock. Great-grandchildren with the fondest memories of “Muvie” include Mayson, Luke, Jay Rick and Avalee McGaughey, Braden and Landon Urbanczyk, Evelyn and Scarlett Richardson, Baby Key (arriving in July), and Aubrey, Jaxon, and Ryker Loftiss. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Nellie Phillps, her sister Carol Davidson Parker, and great-granddaughter Wren Ruth.

 

Shirley was a life-time member of the Munday church of Christ, current Board Member of the Knox County Hospital, and a Sunday School Teacher. Shirley loved rooting for the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Tech Red Raiders all the while texting updates and emojis of the game stats to her children and grandchildren, but her most favorite pastime was watching her great-grandsons and the Knox City Greyhounds, considering  herself to be their biggest supporter and number one fan! Shirley and Byron loved to travel the world sailing on over 20 cruises. They spent a month in Europe with their steady traveling companions, Tony & Judy Hobert, sleeping on night trains and living out of only one small suitcase. Shirley also enjoyed a successful painting venture for several years called “Recycled Relics” along with her friends Joy Baker and Mary Ryke. In the most recent years, Shirley could always be found on Tuesdays playing cards with her sweet friends that called themselves the “Old Lady Card Group”. 

 

A viewing and visitation will begin at the Munday Church of Christ (331 North 5th Avenue) on Monday, January 17 beginning at 9:30, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 led by Leroy Torres and Dan Offutt with Todd Wilson leading the song service. McCauley-Smith Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements. 

 

The family requests donations may be made to New Mexico Children’s Home, Medina Children’s Home Arms of Hope, Munday Church of Christ, or any charity of your choice.