Shirley Marie Petet (Tungett)

Shirley Marie Petet (Tungett), 88, of Independence, MO passed away Saturday, April 2, 2022, at her home in Independence surrounded by her family. Shirley was born August 29, 1933, in Kansas City, Missouri to Yewell and Blanche (McLaughlin) Tungett and spent her entire life in the Kansas City area. She graduated from Northeast High School in 1951 where she was a member of the National Art Society. After high school she attended the University of Kansas City from 1951 to 1953.

While working as a dance instructor at Arthur Murray Dance Studios, she met the love of her life, James (Jim) Edwin Petet. They were married on August 1, 1953 and remained married for 46 years until Jim’s death in 1999.

Shirley enjoyed working as a bookkeeper and held various roles throughout her life with Sinclair Refinery, Montgomery Wards, Goodyear and finally retiring after many years with Sutherland Lumber.

Shirley was an active member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary for her entire life and achieved status as a lifetime member. She held many leadership roles including Missouri Girl’s State Chair, President of the Ladies Auxiliary, District President of the Ladies Auxiliary (5th District) and was a member of the 8/40. She was also involved with Truman Pilgrimage Committee and the Independence Patriotic Counsel through her work in the American Legion.

Shirley will be remembered for her fun personality, always positive attitude and willingness to help people through her constant involvement with charities and volunteer organizations. She volunteered with the Salvation Army Auxiliary and volunteered as Jackson County Election Judge. She belonged to the National Society of Colonial Dames XVII Century and was a member of the Prairie Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She attended several churches throughout her life and was a Deacon of the Presbyterian Church and attended Trinity Presbyterian in Independence, Missouri. Later in life she became a member of Saint Mark’s Catholic Church in Independence, Missouri.

Her positive attitude was exemplified in her battle with cancer. Shirley was a 35-year cancer survivor, first diagnosed in 1988. She fought a hard battle and ultimately overcame the disease.

Shirley had a love for antiques, and often spent time with her daughters Connie and Patty searching thrift shops and antique stores for treasures. She had a lifetime love of Depression era glass and collected some amazing pieces. At one time, she ran several antique booths with Jim and her daughters.

Shirley also had several adopted dogs and cats she loved, and she supported adopting pets from shelters over the years.

Shirley is survived in death by her daughters Connie Ritchie and husband Randy of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, daughter Patricia “Patty” Petet of Independence, Missouri, her son James “Dave” Petet, daughter-in-law Melinda (Kerns) Petet and beloved grandchildren Lucy Petet and Luke Petet of Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

Shirley was proceeded in death by large family including her father Yewell Tungett, her mother Blanche (McLaughlin) Tungett, and siblings Edward Tungett, Leslie Tungett, Margaret Tungett, Yewell “Jane” Tungett, Jewell “Jean” Tungett and Yewell “Frank” Tungett, Jr., Anna (Mason) Tungett and Nancy (Hoelscher) Tungett. She also had step-siblings Joseph Dominick, Juanita Dominick, Mary Dominick, George Dominick, Doris Dominick, Dorothy Dominick, James Dominick, Charles Dominick, Michael Dominick and Barbara Dominick.

Services are private. Her children’s wish is for all who knew her to take time to honor her life and cherish time with their own family and friends. In lieu of flowers, Shirley would have been happy with a contribution to the Missouri Girls State Program or to Unleashed Pet Rescue:

American Legion Auxiliary
Attn: Missouri Girls State, Shirley Petet Contribution
Department of Missouri
600 Ellis Blvd
Jefferson City, M0 65101

Unleashed Pet Rescue
c/o Shirley Petet Contribution
5918 Broadmoor Street
Mission, KS 66202