Shirley Genevieve Sarcione, 88, of Kansas City (North), Missouri, passed away peacefully on October, 7th, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Blue Springs, MO.
Shirley was born to Milford "Oren" and Daisy Poff on September 2, 1937, in Gentry County, Missouri and was a devoted member of the Church of God (7th Day), where she worshiped faithfully in many capacities throughout her life. Her quiet strength and unwavering devotion to God and family were the foundation of her life.
Shirley attended Spring Vale Academy for two years before graduating from Stanberry High School, and later pursued college studies.
Shirley held the position of president of the women’s group, The Mustard Seed, where she worked to strengthen the faith of others. She also shared her gifts as a teacher, leading classes and leaving a lasting impact on the lives of her students. She gave her time as both secretary and treasurer, carrying out her duties with care.
Shirley spent her working years helping others in many ways. She briefly worked at a school for children with special needs and later at her son’s school, where her gentle patience and compassionate spirit left a lasting impression. For 15 years, she worked at So-Fro Fabrics, a place where her love for color, texture, and creativity found a home. She was known for her uncanny ability to match threads and buttons, and she loved helping customers find just the right pieces for their sewing projects. Many who came in for supplies stayed to chat with Shirley, drawn to her kindness and warmth.
Shirley spent countless hours crocheting hats and blankets for her children and grandchildren. Every stitch was made with love. She also cared deeply about the world around her and made it a point to recycle metal and other materials, quietly doing her part to care for God’s creation. Shirley enjoyed gardening and found joy and peace in tending to her flowers and plants, nurturing beauty wherever she could.
Above all, Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She cared for her beloved husband, Arnold, with grace and dignity through his long battle with cancer. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the light of her life, and she showed her love not just in words, but in the small, steady acts of service and care that made a lasting impact.
Shirley was fortunate to share many friendships with Janet Terry, her best friend, and Phyllis Snyder her roommate of 15 years. Janet’s care, along with the kindness of Chris Duncan, brought Shirley great comfort by providing meals and support. Phyllis Snyder shared a special bond with Shirley and their friendship was full of laughter and mutual care. Phyllis was a good friend whose companionship allowed their time together to be filled with meaningful moments and lasting memories.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Arnold Sherman Sarcione; her parents, Milford "Oren" and Daisy Poff; her brother, Marvin Poff; her sister, Nellie Darlene "Dee" Walker; and great- granddaughter, Lorelai Elizabeth. She is survived by her children, Rhonda (Ayman) Refaat, Blue Springs, MO and Bruce (Elizabeth) Sarcione, Cameron, MO; grandchildren, Alesa Robin (Justin Berg), Albuquerque, NM, Ashley (Matthew) Fuller, Clarksville, AR, Benjamin Terry, Blue Springs, MO, and Genna Ann Sarcione-Golightly; 4 great-grandchildren, Madelynne, Elijah, Annabelle, and Isaiah, Albuquerque, NM; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends all of whom carry her legacy of love, faith, and warmth.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 10th, 2025, at Roberson Funeral Home, 601 N. Alanthus, Stanberry, MO 64489. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 AM prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Alanthus Grove, MO. In honor of Shirley's life of service, the family asks that donations be made to the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Shirley Genevieve Sarcione will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her generous heart, the deep love she gave to all who knew her, and her stubbornness to never give up and to persevere even when things got tough. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, faith, and kindness will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed and always lovingly remembered.
