Shirley Ann Pankau, 89, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2026, surrounded by family at her home in St. Joseph, Missouri. Born April 28, 1936, in Miami Station, Missouri, the daughter of George Raymond and Ethyl Evelyn (Francis) Martin.
She attended Carrollton schools, graduating from Carrollton High School in 1954. Shirley studied business at Missouri Western State University from 1980 to 1982
On November 7, 1954, she married G.F. Pankau in Carrollton. He preceded her in death on October 31, 2007. She married Harold Foster on December 30, 2009.
Shirley met the love of her life at the Everet's Cafe in Carrollton while she was waiting tables. She married him and followed him to St. Joe where they raised a family. In St Joe she also built a business and amassed a group of friends from the most diverse backgrounds and vocations. Surrounding herself with intelligent and kind people was her hallmark.
A life-long Christian, she was baptised at 15 in the Carrollton First Christian Church. Always a proud American, she was the daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother of veterans from World War II, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Iraqi Freedom. Always the most outspoken patriot, she has consistently supported our great nation and military and as a family member maintained the homefront over eight decades.
Shirley was a member of Eastern Star. She was a Red Cross Volunteer, serving as a Red Cross swimming instructor for 25 years. Shirley maintained her status as an Enrolled Agent for the IRS for 40 years. She was an income tax preparer for 53 years. As a tax professional she was also a small business owner in St. Joseph for 40 years. In 1971 Shirley began working for H and R Block as a tax preparer and was the volume performer the entire 15 years she worked there. In 1984 she founded Professional Tax Associates and operated the business until 2024 when she retired.
Shirley relished travel and always jumped at opportunities to wander. She visited all of these United States and a significant portion of the rest of this hemisphere.
On her 48th trip around the Sun, while approaching the Autumnal Equinox, in the vicinity of Latitude N 24 33’ 32” Longitude W 081 48’ 18”, at a conclave convened at Joe's Table, she was canonized, both for and by her miracles.
Blessed with the ability to find four leaf clovers, her personal best was 70 four leaf clovers from one clover patch. It is an appropriate symbol of her characteristics with each of the four leaves symbolizing faith, love, hope, and luck. Shirley was a voracious reader, if you receive one of the books from her library, don't open it until you check for pressed four leaf clovers. Shirley truly led a “Life Well Lived.”
She is survived by her sons, Shelby Pankau (Billie Williams), Kristopher Pankau (Debbie), Michael Pankau (Janice); grandchildren, Brent Pankau (Bianca), Andrew Pankau (Rachael), Nicole Boland (Derek), Rachel David (Ryan), Muriyah Henry (Eric), and Celeste Carr; and great-grandchildren, Bella, Juliet, Hadlee, Kinslee, Leo, Raelynn, Everlee.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George Raymond and Ethyl Martin; stepfather, Roy C. Martin; husband, G.F. Pankau; brother, Billy A. Martin; and aunt, Etta Williams.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Monday, April 20, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Sunday, April 19, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial contributions to Tunnels to Towers or a charity of the donor’s choice.
