Jeanne Betty (Kleinke) Shirel, 81, of Leawood, Kansas passed away Monday, September 25, 2023, at Menorah Medical Center, surrounded by loving family.

Jeanne was born on May 11, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois. As a life-long nurse, she received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and worked as an RN from 1963 until her retirement in 2008. Jeanne began her career working on the OB hospital floor, but most of her work was focused on diabetes support and education at various hospitals and she concluded her nursing work in home health.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her daughter, Jennifer (Lane) Sieben. Jeanne is survived by her children and their families, Julie and Tom Miller, their children Kate (husband Cole Finley), Brianna and Thomas; Janice and Andrew Hartsock, their children Carlyn and Brooks; Christina Lively, her children Tyler and Elizabeth; Jackie Kanis and Steve Renko III, their children Olivia Kanis, Steve IV and MaKinsey Renko; granddaughter Emily Sieben and son-in-law, Darren Sieben.

Jeanne loved to travel and take cruises. She was an avid KU fan – amplified by the fact that all five daughters and three grandchildren are KU graduates, and one granddaughter is now attending! She loved to watch the Chiefs and her soap operas (“stories” as she called them). She loved to sew for family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

Jeanne’s family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, love and support during this time of sorrow.

A visitation will be held from 4-5:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 3, 2023 with a Celebration of Life Ceremony at 5:00 p.m. at the Porter Funeral Home, Lenexa, Kansas.  A private family graveside service will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a gift in her memory to Kids With Courage Foundation, PO Box 7034, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064.  www.kidswithcourage.org. The Kids with Courage foundation is focused on supporting kids and families with Type 1 diabetes.