Shirley Oswalt, 79, of Benton, Kentucky passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Mercy Health Paducah.
Shirley was born on March 24, 1945, in Crittenden County, Kentucky to the late James Iley McConnell and Elva Mae Vinson McConnell. After graduating high school she attended Murray State University where she met the love of her life, Jim Oswalt. The couple began their journey through life together and eventually went on to have two daughters. In the 1970’s, after spending some time living in various states, Shirley and her family moved to Marshall County where they would settle down and finish raising their family. Shirley graduated from cosmetology school and became a Licensed Nail Technician at the Kurl Shop. Once her daughters had finished school it allowed her to travel more with Jim. Shirley switched careers and spent time working with her husband on various job sites. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed reading and traveling with her family and friends. She traveled to all 50 states, multiple different countries and took many cruises. Shirley was a member of Zion’s Cause Baptist Church and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jim Oswalt; two daughters, Kim Edwards (Rusty) of Benton and Adeena Hardie (Ray) of Fancy Farm; one brother, Larry “Pickle” McConnell (Kathy) of Fredonia; and four grandchildren, Joshua Hardie (Sara), Cameron Lynn (Ashley), Caleb Hardie, Taylor Edwards (Alyssa); and great-grandson, Wyatt Thomas Lynn. Sister-in-Law, Judy McConnell, brother-in- law, Ed Hanes and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, James “Jay” McConnell and sister-in-law, Dee Hanes.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in her memory to the Zion’s Cause Baptist Church Building Fund, 1522 US 68. Benton, KY 42025.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, KY.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann with Bro. Charles Frazier officiating and Bro. Wes Morefield assisting. Burial will follow in Maple Springs Cemetery in Marshall County.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.filbeckandcann.com.