Shirley Ann Meyer, 90, of Perryville, passed away Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital.
She was born Aug. 1, 1935, in Perryville to Herbert and Ida (Lancaster) Hennemann.
She and Louis “Lou” Meyer were married Oct. 12, 1957, at St. Mary’s of the Barrens Church in Perryville. They were married for 62 years at the time of his passing in 2019.
Mrs. Meyer was a devoted registered nurse who began her career at Perry County Memorial Hospital. A proud graduate of the DePaul Hospital School of Nursing in September 1956, she entered the operating room as a surgical nurse and quickly proved herself a steady, compassionate presence. Her career grew into leadership as director of nursing and later in hospital administration, where she continued to pour her heart into patient care and the nurses she guided. She was an integral part of establishing and developing the hospital gift shop. She dedicated 50 years of service marked by hard work, compassion, joy, and a deep love for the people she cared for and the profession she cherished.
Outside of nursing, she embraced life with enthusiasm. She was a gracious host who delighted in bringing family and friends together. She loved the game of golf and celebrated a proud highlight with her hole-in-one on Hole 17 at the Legends Golf Course. She felt most at home on the water, boating with friends and family while creating lifelong memories with her children and grandchildren. Fishing was a favorite pastime, especially if the boat was moving and she could be trolling along. She enjoyed playing cards, never turning down a competitive game shared with those she loved. Later in life, she and Lou treasured their winters in Florida and summers on the water in Kentucky.
Her faith was a constant source of strength throughout her life. She was a dedicated member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville, where she belonged to the Sodality. She also gave her time and talents as a past member of the Perry County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, Missouri Nurses Association, and American Nurses Association.
Survivors include one son, David (Donita) Meyer; one daughter, Christine (Brad) Moll; one sister, Linda (Robert) Leible; seven grandchildren, Amber (Stewart Kirchoff) Meyer, Natalie (Matt) Edwards, Haley (Lee) Newmann, Jen (Andy) Irwin, Casey (Tim Patton) Stark, Jocelyn (Larry Lombardero) Moll, and Benjamin (Chelsea) Moll; 16 great-grandchildren; and her beloved granddog, Maggie.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one sister, Mary Brueggemann; and one brother-in-law, Ted Brueggemann.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, and from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville.
Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville, with the Rev. Fred Wandera, C.M., officiating.
Entombment will be at Mary Queen of Heaven Mausoleum at Mount Hope Cemetery in Perryville.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Journey Hospice.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com
Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
