Lela Catherine Brown Shorney

Lela Catherine Brown Shorney, 93, passed away peacefully in her home in Shawnee, Oklahoma, surrounded by her family, friends and beloved dogs on October 27, 2018. She was born Thursday, August 27, 1925, in Wishart, Missouri to Lonnie Elmer and Addie Elizabeth (Copeland) Brown. After graduating from Aldrich High School in May 1943, she and her mother moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma, to join her father who was working here. Upon graduation from business school, she went to work for Fluke Insurance Agency. In January 1951, she met the love of her life, Charles Shorney, the farmer she always had been looking for. They married Friday, July 20, 1951, remaining together until his death in February 2005. In 1953, they bought their own farm north of Shawnee, and Catherine became a homemaker and partner on the farm. Another crucial component of her life was her love for Christ and she served as a deacon’s wife, Sunday school teacher, church secretary, choir member, missions leader, and numerous other roles. Animals from horses and sheep, to cows and chickens, dogs and cats all played a significant role in her life.She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Shorney, both parents, Elmer and Addie Brown, her younger brother, L. E. Brown, Jr., sisters-in-law, Louise Blassingame, JoAnna Fowler and husband Bill, Velma Neeley and husband Ron, and nephews Dale Blassingame, Warren Blassingame, Randy Blassingame, and Kevin Robinson.Catherine is survived by her daughter, Mayda Shorney, of the home, a sister-in-law, Bernice Rose, Shawnee, Oklahoma, two cousins in Springfield, Missouri, Darrell Copeland and wife Betty, and Max Copeland and wife Barbara, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She also is survived by those she touched through being a friend, a neighbor, and a loving soul. Services to celebrate the life of Catherine Shorney are: Visitation will be Thursday, November 1, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM, at Walker Funeral Service, 201 E 45th St, Shawnee, Oklahoma. Catherine's service on Friday, November 2, will begin at 2:00 PM at Aydelotte Baptist Church, 10201 N Harrison, Shawnee, Oklahoma. Graveside service will be Saturday, November 3, at 2:00 PM at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Aldrich, Missouri. We will be meeting around 11:00 AM at Smith's Restaurant, 1340 Highway U on Highway 13, south of Bolivar, Missouri.