Shirley Armina Harbert, age 82, a resident of Avalon, Missouri, passed away on April 26, 2026, at the home of her granddaughter in Salisbury, where she was under hospice care.
Shirley was born in Trenton, Missouri, on August 18, 1943, the daughter of Oliver and Harriet (Stewart) Louderback. She spent her childhood on a farm near Laredo, Missouri. In 1961, she graduated from Laredo High School as class salutatorian. Shirley married Forrest Edwin Harbert on May 17, 1962, in Trenton, Missouri.
Shirley and Forrest began their married life in Chula, Missouri, and later settled on a farm near Avalon, where they farmed and operated a dairy for many years. They attended Cowboy Church in Blue Mound, Missouri.
Shirley was an avid quilter who stitched love into every piece she created, gifting countless quilts to family and friends. She enjoyed gardening and was an excellent cook. Above all, Shirley cherished her family and treasured every moment spent with them.
Shirley is survived by her children: Dianne Whitmer of Carrollton, Charles Harbert of Chula, and Wayne (Diana) Harbert of Hale; her sister, Carolyn Brown of Spickard; and her sister-in-law, Donna (Farrell) Vermiyea of Saint Joseph.
She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Aaron (Tonia) Anderson; Mandy (Rodney) Henderson; Eric Anderson; Billie Joe; Andy (Chalena) Harbert; Emily (Ryan) Anderson; Craig (Peyton) Harbert; Chris (Chloe) Harbert; 33 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one sister, Mary Kathryn Molloy; and son-in-law, Danny Whitmer.
Memorials in honor of Shirley may be made to the family to assist with expenses. Memorials may be mailed to or left at Heritage Funeral Home, 3141 N. Washington, Chillicothe, Missouri.
Visitation will be held Thursday, April 30, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Chillicothe, Missouri.