Shirley Rood

Shirley (Olsen) Rood went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on September 10, 2022. She was a resident of Country Place in Independence.

She was born in Louisville, Kentucky on February 10, 1934, to Edith (Hardesty) Olsen and Albert Olsen. She spent her early days in Louisville. Upon completion of junior high she moved with her family to Charlestown, Indiana where she completed high school. After high school she attended Indiana University and majored in music and business. She was a member of Alpha Phi sorority. In November 1953 she met the love of her life, Len Rood and they were married in August 1955.

Upon completion of their education Len entered the US Air Force and Shirley went with him. During this time, she taught music and business classes at local high schools. She was a born-again Christian whose primary ministry was sharing her faith as a speaker for Christian Women’s Club in several states.

She was a stay-at-home mother to her two children, David born in 1965 and Sheryl born in 1969. Shirley’s beautiful soprano voice led her to sing in church choirs, as well as in operas and musical comedies. In her later years she enjoyed the harp, and played for weddings, funerals and similar events. Shirley lived in Independence from 1984-1990 and had lead roles in several Neewollah productions. She was a member of PEO. She lived in eight states, enjoyed travel and visited 30 countries and all 50 states. She lived for six months in Indonesia.

She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years. Her children David (Jenny) Rood and Sheryl (Yasir) Suhail. nine grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.

Shirley will be laid to rest at Mount Hope Cemetery in a private family graveside service. A Celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at the First Baptist Church in Independence on Saturday, October 15th at 2:00 pm. Condolence can be left to the family by visiting, www.pottsfuneralhome.com.