Shirley Chenoweth, '63
Shirley Chenoweth graduated from Mt. St. Scholastica College in 1963 and married a St. Benedict’s College alum, Bob Chenoweth. They moved to the Kansas City area where Shirley worked with other Mount alums to establish a Mount Alumnae chapter.
When their children were young, Shirley volunteered for the SOR programs at Queen of the Holy Rosary and St. Ann’s parishes. She loved working with young children, so she became a certified Montessori teacher. Shirley was hired by Cure of Ars parish to establish a Montessori program connected to their school program. This involved budgeting, buying all necessary equipment and ongoing supplies, setting the curriculum, training assistants, and marketing. Shirley retired in 1983 to have more time for family and volunteer activities. While still at Cure of Ars, she volunteered in the Church Office 2 days a week for 10 years supervising the weekly collection. She was also Chairman of the Women’s Club and headed many committees and special events.
For recreation, Shirley played golf with the Blue Hills 18 Hole League which led to accepting the positions of Secretary, Treasurer, VP, and President as well as various committees and special events. She later joined the Overland Park 18 Hole League and, once again, accepted leadership and officer positions.
The family moved to Ascension parish where there were ample opportunities for volunteering. Shirley became an active member of their Women’s Club. She was a founding member of the Ascension Cancer Support Group. As an off-shoot of that, she started another support group called Covered In Prayer. They make prayer blankets for the seriously ill, and pray for the person who will receive the blanket while we are making it.
Other volunteer activities are: Keeler Women’s Center run by our Benedictine Sisters, Christo Rey, Menorah Medical Center, and comfort foot massages and relaxztion sessions for individuals who are seriously ill.
From 2005 – 2008, Shirley was a member of the Benedictine College Alumni Board.
