Shirley Ann (Darby) Hargis, age 90, passed away on February 28, 2026.

She was born on January 16, 1936, in Dunstable, England, to Aubrey Darby and Violet (West) Darby. She was one of eight children, and from a young age Shirley carried a nurturing spirit and often served as a mother figure among her siblings — a devotion to caring for others that would define her entire life.

Shirley met Bill Hargis while he was stationed in England with the United States Air Force. Their meeting began a lifelong love story that would span countries and decades. They were married on November 3, 1956, in Dunstable, England. In 1959, they moved to Bill’s home state of Missouri. After briefly living in California, they returned to Missouri, where Shirley remained for the rest of her life. She proudly became a United States citizen on April 15, 1977.

Shirley’s greatest calling was motherhood. She was the loving mother of Bill Hargis (Cher) of St. Joseph, MO; Joanna (John) Thomas of Wylie, TX; Rick Hargis (Correne Reed) of Springfield, MO; Randall Hargis (Christy) of Strafford, MO; Micheal Hargis (Karen Aguilar) of Costa Rica; Dustin Hargis of Springfield, MO; and James Hargis (Rebecca Gabroy) of California. She not only raised her children with steadfast love and strength, but also adopted two of her grandchildren and helped care for many others. Being a mother was truly her life’s purpose.

She was a proud grandmother to Telman Hargis (Theresa) of Miller, MO; Arron Pope (Katelyn) of Vidor, TX; Jessica (Hargis) Ragsdale (Anthony) of Marshfield, MO; Tiffany (Kelley) Woodward (Billy) of Vidor, TX; Katie Hargis of Willard, MO; Kelsey Hargis (fiancé Austin) of Springfield, MO; Katrina Hargis of Strafford, MO; Brandon Hargis (Kimberly) of Centerton, AR; Sam Hargis of Springfield, MO; and Tannia, Darby, and Victoria Hargis of Costa Rica.

Her beloved great-grandchildren are Austin and Ella; Logan and Rohen; Madison, Nathan, Aubrey, Emily, and Olivia; Blake and Kaylee; Aiden and Damon; Carter and Brooklyn; Jace, Annaliese, and Liam, along with one expected great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; several beloved siblings; her son, Dustin; her husband, Bill Hargis; her great-granddaughter, Kaylee; and her daughter, Joanna.

Shirley was a devoted follower of Christ and an active member of National Heights Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri. Prior to that, she faithfully attended and served at Macedonia Baptist Church. Her faith guided the way she loved and served others.

She worked at Professional Answering Service until her retirement in 2006. Shirley also dedicated many years volunteering at the Grand Oak Baptist Mission alongside her husband Bill, and she continued serving faithfully even after his passing.

After Bill’s passing, Shirley found sweet companionship in her beloved dog, Mickey. They enjoyed daily walks together for many years.

Up until the very end, Shirley continued caring for those around her. Her heart was generous, her love unwavering, and her impact immeasurable. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her. She passed away peacefully at Republic Nursing and Rehab in Republic MO.

Services will be held on March 4 at 11:00 a.m. at National Heights Baptist Church, 3050 N National Ave, Springfield, MO 65803.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Grand Oak Baptist Mission Center of Springfield, Missouri.