Shirley Grube

Shirley Grube, 85, of Waco, passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at The Brazos of Waco. 

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 25, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, located at 6101 Bosque Boulevard in Waco. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, November 26, at 10:00 a.m. at the Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel, with The Reverend Tanner Smith officiating. Interment will follow at China Spring Cemetery. 

Shirley was born on May 24, 1939, in China Spring, Texas, the only child of Cliff and Margaret Pierce. She grew up in China Spring and graduated as valedictorian of the China Spring High School Class of 1957. While in high school, she was a cheerleader and captain of the girls’ basketball team. After graduation, she continued her education at Baylor University, earning a bachelor’s degree in secondary education in 1961. 

Shirley began her teaching career in 1961 at Richfield High School, where she taught Spanish and English. Teaching was her passion, and she dedicated more than 40 years to educating students in high schools across the Waco area, including Midway, Crawford, McGregor, Vanguard, Connally, and Blooming Grove. 

On June 12, 1959, Shirley married William (Bill) Grube at First Baptist Church of China Spring. The couple initially lived in Waco before settling in China Spring, where they raised their two daughters, Betty and Laura. Shirley was a devoted wife and mother who found great joy in spending time with her three grandchildren. 

In her spare time, Shirley loved playing the piano. She enjoyed sharing her talent with friends, family, and the community, often performing at events and serving as a church pianist for many years. An active church member throughout her life, she was most recently affiliated with China Spring United Methodist Church. Shirley also volunteered for numerous church, school, and community organizations, sharing her musical and language talents. She was an avid sports fan who especially loved watching football and attending Baylor Lady Bears basketball games with friends and family. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Bill. She is survived by her daughters, Betty Kiowski and husband Mark of Plano, and Laura Meredith and husband Clint of China Spring; her granddaughters, Katherine Kiowski and Elizabeth Meredith; her grandson, Luke Kiowski; and her aunt, Betty Sue Brooks. 

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Stoney Brook of Hewitt and The Brazos of Waco, where Shirley resided for several months. 

Memorials may be made to China Spring United Methodist Church, 12301 Yankie Road, China Spring, Texas, 76633, or Stilwell Memorial Residence, 5400 Laurel Lake Drive, Waco, TX 76710. 

The family invites you to leave a message or memory in Shirley’s “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.