Shirley L. Moriarty

Shirley Moriarty, 90, of Sedalia, passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at E.W. Thompson Health & Rehab Center.

She was born March 28, 1936, in Sedalia, a daughter of the late Earl and Ruth (Simon) Burnett. On January 12, 1957, in Sedalia, she married Patrick T. Moriarty, who preceded her in death on April 9, 2026.

Shirley was a 1954 graduate of Smith-Cotton High School and was crowned Activities Queen that year at the first football game at the brand-new Jennie Jaynes stadium. She was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ and was active in the church during her younger years.

Early in her career, Shirley worked as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. After Pat opened his cabinet shop in 1965, she became his bookkeeper and "errand girl," helping support the family business. Her greatest accomplishment, however, was being a homemaker. Family was at the center of her life, and she was a devoted wife and mother. She kept a meticulous home and prepared wonderful meals for her family.

Shirley enjoyed shopping for bargains, collecting carnival glass and listening to gospel music. Throughout her life, she rarely complained, even when she had every reason to, and was always considerate of others' feelings.

Survivors include three children, Starla Weatherly (Tony) and Bart Moriarty (Connie), both of Sedalia, and Sherri Hopler (Doug), of Nixa; a brother, Gary Burnett (Jan), of Sedalia; three grandchildren, Ryan Weatherly (Kelli), of Blue Springs, Brenan Moriarty (Kerri), of Foley, Alabama, and Brooke Kreisler (Logan), of Cole Camp; and four great-grandchildren, Chloe Weatherly, Chris Weatherly, Leah Kreisler, and Braxton Kreisler.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Earl Burnett and Kenneth Burnett.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, Monday, August 17, 2026 at Heckart Funeral Home, with the funeral service following at 11:00 am.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Bart Moriarty, Brenan Moriarty, Ryan Weatherly, Tony Davis, Doug Hopler and Gary Burnett.

Memorial contributions are suggested to a charity of donor’s choice in care of Heckart Funeral Home.