Shirley Mae Klipfel
Shirley Mae Klipfel passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, in her home in Liberty Hill, Texas, surrounded by love, support, and an overwhelming sense of peace.
A St. Patrick's Day baby, born March 17, 1949, in Redfield, South Dakota, Shirley brought warmth, joy, and a fiercely loving heart to everyone blessed to know her.
One of ten siblings, she was raised in the vibrant whirlwind of a large, tight-knit family-her roots grounded in the chaos and connection that only such a childhood can bring. She carried those values with her throughout her life, embracing loyalty, compassion, and service to others.
Shirley attended Redfield High School and married Gary Whitley, with whom she adopted her beloved son, Jimmy, in 1975. Though that chapter came to a close, her love story began when she married Kenny Klipfel in 1981. Together, they built their dream home in Julesburg, Colorado, where laughter, love, and the simple joys of everyday life filled their years.
She was a devoted member of every community she called home-from early years working at the State School in Redfield to her long-standing role in food service at the Julesburg School District. Fondly remembered as one of the beloved "Lunch Ladies," Shirley's kindness and consistency left an impression on generations of students.
Following Kenny's passing in 2008, Shirley returned to Redfield in 2013. She once again made a home-this time as a joyful retiree who took great pride in her yard, her cozy home, and her role as one of the true gems in the lives of her family. She cherished her neighbors and loved making her block feel welcoming and beautiful-always the first to wave, share a kind word, or lend a helping hand. Whether decorating for the holidays, working a shift at the high school cafeteria or catching up with her siblings, she radiated warmth.
In 2021, Shirley was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia. She faced her illness with grace, supported by Jimmy and family. She remained in her Redfield home for as long as possible before moving to Liberty Hill, Texas, in 2023 to live with Jimmy and her cherished bonus son, Micah. Her final years were filled with comfort, dignity, and boundless love.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Kenny Klipfel; her parents, Bernedene (Hansen) and Loyde Lewis; brothers Gary, Wayne, and Larry; and many treasured aunts, uncles, and extended family members. She was also preceded in death by her beloved pets-Mayson, Sebastian, and several others who were just as much family as anyone else.
She is survived by her son, Jimmy Whitley, and bonus son, Micah Bittick, of Liberty Hill, TX; daughter Angie Pfister (Walt) of Duluth, MN; son Brian Klipfel of Cave Springs, AR; sisters Roxie Frericks (Randy Olson), Bernedette Lewis (Terry Lyden), and Brenda Lewis, all of Redfield, SD; brothers Allan (Sandy) Lewis and Terry Lewis of Redfield, SD; and brother Lonnie (Teresa) Lewis of Aberdeen, SD. She also leaves behind a wide extended circle of family, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends and family who adored her-friends and family she also deeply loved and took pride in, often lighting up when seeing their photos and chatting about them in these past few years.
Shirley lived with intention, heart, and a deep love. We are lost without her beautiful presence and know that we will find her in glimpses as we continue through life. The love and dedication she gave to her family and those around her was unsurpassed. To be loved by Shirley was to be wrapped in the most unconditional, fierce, and genuine love-something we can all only hope to give or receive in our lifetime.