Shirley Jane Trankler

Shirley Jane Trankler, nee Armstrong, entered into rest on Tuesday May 20, 2025, at the age of 74. Beloved wife for nearly 55 years of Edwin "Ed" Trankler; devoted mother of Christopher Trankler, Karen (Matthew) Rose, Kari (Toren) Trankler, Craig (Anna) Trankler, and the late Curtis Trankler, who passed in 2006; cherished grandmother of Jacob (Trisha) Trankler, Lawrence Trankler, Madelyn Rose, and Deitrich Trankler; blessed great-grandmother of Curtis, Blake, and Ariana; precious daughter of the late Charles E. and the late Betty Jane, nee Obermeyer, Armstrong; dear sister Virginia Gelardi, Elaine Couts, Naomi Smith, the late Sarah Bishop, and the late Charles Armstrong. Shirley is also survived by many other relatives and dear friends.

Born Shirley Jane Armstrong, Shirley rang in the new year, January 6, 1951, to joyous parents, Betty Jane and Charles, in St. Louis, Missouri. Growing up in St. Louis, Shirley would go on to attend and graduate from Grover Cleveland High School. May 23, 1970, Shirley would marry the love of her life, Ed Trankler, and the love and faith that they shared helped their family to grow.

Shirley was her absolute happiest when she was surrounded by family. It was not uncommon to find Ed and Shirley's backyard filled with family on a Saturday afternoon. Shirley loved to throw her annual Kentucky Derby party, and the decorations grew each year. Nothing rivaled her Christmas decorations. With the help of her sisters, every square inch of her house was covered in Christmas decorations and she made sure everyone, human and animal, had multiple gifts under the tree. She made sure every family member's birthday was celebrated each year. Shirley was very strong in her faith and was a member of Holy Family Parish. She loved to travel and recently fulfilled a dream of traveling to Alaska with Ed. She loved to bowl and enjoyed being with her bowling league team members. She was a Chiefs and Cardinals fan and enjoyed watching the games with family. She loved listening to rock music, especially Ted Nugent, Rush, and Black Sabbath, and scary movies-- nothing was too scary for Shirley.

Shirley passed away unexpectedly in St. Louis County after emergency surgery. She leaves behind a legacy of love for family, creativity, and faith that will forever endure in the hearts of her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Society of St. Vincent de Paul or American Heart Association in Shirley's honor.

A visitation for family and friends to gather and celebrate Shirley's life will be held on Tuesday May 27 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons South City Chapel 7027 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116. Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following morning, May 28, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Interment in Sunset Memorial Park following Mass.