Shirley Ann Fonner
Funeral services for Shirley Ann Fonner will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 1, 2026, at New Hope Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Fonner, age 86, passed away peacefully in Cabool, Missouri on January 21, 2026, surrounded by family in her home.
She was born in Lake City, Arkansas, to Edgar James and Margie Lee Gipson on May 16, 1939. She had a unique sense of humor and a contagious smile. Her spirit was generous, and she had an unwavering faith in her family and the Lord. Her life can be compared to the beautiful quilts that she created with the work of her hands. She took her time, her love, her dedication and pieced it together to leave a legacy for her family and friends to cherish. The patterns of the quilt represent the various roles she held in her life. She was a caregiver, working as a CNA in nursing homes. She was a waitress and was proud to be
manager at KFC for many years. She then completed Cosmetology School, becoming owner/operator of her own salon. She and her spouse owned a farm and White Church store, which sold goods and had a deli. She retired from the West Plains School system, in which she worked as a Para for many years. She was a CASA volunteer and was very proud of this role. Her special hobbies included antiquing, gardening, fishing, camping, bowling, yard selling for the perfect bargain, baking, and any type of needlework.
The colors of her quilt are represented by the beautiful family that she created in life. She married Eugene Prince on June 18, 1955, and four children came from this union. She later met the love of her life and was married to Charles Eugene Fonner on December 8, 1973, and two children were born from this blessed union. Her children are Shirlene O’russa of Raleigh, NC, Rhonda L. White and husband, Butch of Cabool, MO, Beverly Mathews and husband, Robbie of Pekin, IL, James Prince of Peace Valley, MO, Catherine Pearson of West Plains, MO, and Charles (Butchy) Fonner and wife Mikaela of Marionville, MO. She has eighteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren that she leaves behind in this world. Her quilting is complete, and we will stay warm in her memory, and her spirit will live on in all of us.
She was a proud member of the New Hope Baptist Church for 43 years. Her faith was like the thread in the quilt; it held her life together. She was active in the Women’s Missionary Union and loved traveling with her friends in the church. She participated in Trailblazers monthly. She was a Sunday School and VBS teacher, teaching the children about faith and how to use it as they grow. She was an active member of the church choir for most of her life.
She is preceded in death by her granddaughter, Sonya Rene McCart, and her husband, Charles Eugene Fonner.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m., Sunday, at New Hope Baptist Church. Burial will be at New Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ozarks Healthcare West Plains Cancer Treatment Center and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.