OLATHE — Anna Vee (Shelton) Searle left this earthly home on June 22, 2026 to join her Lord & Savior in heaven, where she was reunited with her beloved husband, Jim. She was born on Oct. 24, 1942 in Calico Rock, Ark., the daughter of Coiny and Elsie (Moser) Shelton.
She moved to Kansas at the age of 4, living in Stafford County and in St. John, Kan. until the age of 17. She graduated from St. John High School and married the love of her life, James (Jim) Searle on March 4, 1960. They moved to Great Bend, Kan. where they lived until 1972. They transferred to Hays, Kan. where they lived for 30 years before retiring to Stafford, Kan. While in Stafford, Anna Vee was on the board of NW Kansas Area on Aging, a member of the Stafford County Election Board, served as Secretary at Trinity Community Church in Hudson, was a member of the Stafford Oktoberfest Committee and served on the board of the Stafford County District Hospital. She also enjoyed playing cards, golfing, bicycling and meeting with her “coffee family” and “Anna Club” at Elroy’s. No matter where they lived, they always had an abundance of fun with cherished friends and family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Coiny and Elsie Shelton; her brother, Leon; and her soul mate, Jim Searle who was killed when struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle on Nov. 4, 2009. She was also preceded in death by her precious in-laws, and her “sister at heart”, Beverly (Francis) Searle-Jones.
She moved to Olathe, Kan. in 2017 to be close to her daughter and grandson’s family. She was an avid supporter of her great-granddaughters’ sporting events, music programs, and delighted in attending grandparents’ day at their school.
Left with cherished memories are her daughter, Sheri Searle and her bonus daughter, Gina Lawrence of Olathe; grandson,
Jamie and her beloved granddaughter-in-law, Melissa Searle of Kansas City, Mo., the lights of her life; great-granddaughters
Nazra and Story, her dear “Sister” Darlene (Sally) Bauer; her lovable granddog, Hudson, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors. Survivors also include Jeff Searle and family of Overland Park, Kan.
As per her wishes, there will be no memorial service or celebration of life. She would rather you celebrate your memories of her while enjoying a margarita or beverage of your choice. Her wish is to have her ashes scattered with her husband. Memorials may be made to your favorite charity.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 27, 2026
