Duncan - Shirley Ann (Oaks) Richardson, 87, long time resident of Duncan, Oklahoma, peacefully passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025, following an extended illness.

Shirley Ann Oaks was born Jan. 2, 1938, to Wesley M. and Helen (Ricker) Oaks in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She was the first baby born in Stillwater that year and named their 1938 New Year's Baby. Shirley attended Oklahoma State University and was an avid fan and supporter of OSU sports, "GO POKES!"

Shirley and Robert W. (Bobby) Richardson III were married June 24, 1961, in Duncan, Oklahoma, until Bobby's death July 3, 2013. They had one son, Randall (Randy) Wesley Richardson, born Oct. 13, 1964, in Duncan, Oklahoma. Shirley was very proud of Randy's photography, videography and clinical skills for individuals with limb loss at his hometown business, started in 2017, Dream Team Prosthetic clinic in Duncan. Shirley always found a special bond and companionship with her many dogs throughout the years. She is very grateful for the wonderful and caring staff at the Minson Veterinary Hospital in Duncan.

Shirley was a lifelong devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Duncan, singing in the choir and attending the "Perceivers" Sunday school class.

She was a charter member of the Traditional Study Club and her Thursday Bridge Club, both of which were formed in 1964, enabling her to spend more time with her dear and close, lifelong friends. She was a loyal and passionate supporter of the Stephens County Humane Society; she enjoyed participating in the annual Bark in the Park fundraising event. Shirley truly loved her "rescue" companion Sugar, adopted from the Stephens County Humane Society. Shirley passed the United States Civil Service Exam, enabling her to become a substitute rural route postal mail carrier in the Duncan area.

Shirley and neighbor, Sherry Murphree, were lifelong best friends and could regularly be seen eating lunch together around Duncan. Shirley and Sherry were proud, local business owners for more than a decade of "Traditions" boutique dress shop in downtown Duncan. They supported the community of Duncan in many ways and presented their stylish clothing selections at many fashion shows during the Duncan Blowout Golf Tournament. For many years they hosted a grand invitation only social gathering for their many friends in each of their homes, alternating locations each year.

Shirley loved entertaining and traveling. Before Bobby's passing, they enjoyed many trips and cruises together with family and friends. She and Bobby enjoyed dancing and were long time members of the Starliters dance club. They enjoyed participating in 19 of the Duncan Civic Capers performances, helping to raise money for the Duncan Civic Auditorium Foundation. Starting with the first Civic Capers show in 1962, they regularly performed in the couples dance numbers and other entertaining skits. Shirley enjoyed singing in a ladies trio and in later Capers shows. She and Bobby sang duets together until their last Civic Capers on stage performance in 1997.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents and husband Bobby. They had been married 52 years at the time of Bobby's passing.

She is survived by her son, Randy, of Edmond, Oklahoma.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Stepping Stone Rehabilitation, Country Club Care, Elk Crossing Nursing and Rehab and Refuge Care Hospice for their compassionate and loving care they all provided to her during her final years.

Honorary bearers are: Vernon Murphree (deceased), Thomas J. Jones, Jr. (deceased), Dr. Robert Schick, Dr. James "Jimmy" Jones, Ed Apple (deceased), Bud Burger (deceased), John Ray Green, Nelson Garner (deceased) and Don Norman (deceased).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Duncan "Bobby Richardson Music Fund" or the Stephens County Humane Society.

At Shirley's request, there will be a private graveside service, arranged through Whitt Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.whittfh.com.