Shirley Ann Vardeman

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6"

Shirley Ann Vardeman of Odessa, Texas, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the age of 86. She lived a life filled with love, grace, and unwavering faith.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, 6801 E. Business 20, Odessa, Texas.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, with Brother Jackie Brem from Second Baptist Church officiating.

Shirley was born on November 20, 1938, in Blackburn, Oklahoma, to William Butler and Bertha Butler Hall. Over the years, her family moved several times before settling in Odessa in the mid-1950s, where she would spend the remainder of her life. She graduated from Odessa High School and soon began her journey as a young woman of faith and service.

It was during her early career at an optical company that Shirley met the love of her life, Bobby Dwane Vardeman. They were married on March 21, 1964, in Lovington, NM, and celebrated 60 years of marriage this past March, surrounded by their loving family.

Shirley had a long and successful career, working as a secretary and office manager for Petroleum Pump/Malco Trucking for 39 years, followed by nearly two decades as a bookkeeper for Muncy Welding. In addition to her professional life, Shirley’s heart was always with her church. A devoted member of Second Baptist Church for almost 50 years, she contributed her time and talents in many ways, especially known for her servant’s heart, her extraordinary cooking, and her role as a fervent prayer warrior. If Shirley promised to pray for you, rest assured, she did—daily, diligently, and with deep devotion.

Above all, Shirley was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She and Dwane raised three children, instilling in them the values of faith, love, and hard work that would guide them throughout their lives. Shirley’s love for Jesus Christ was the foundation of all she did, and her gentle spirit and caring heart left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, William Butler and Bertha Hall (and stepfather James Hall); as well as her sister, Nancy Evans; and brother-in-law, Robert Evans.

She is survived by her loving husband, Bobby Dwane Vardeman, of Odessa; her cherished children, Kim Riddle (Terry), Kenny Vardeman (Glenda), and Kristi Gibbs (Jeff), all of Odessa; her beloved grandchildren, Justin Young (Kimberley) of Prosper, Leslie Beck of Mustang, OK, Kelsi Curd (Dillon) of Durant, OK, Kennison Vardeman of Odessa, and Carson Gibbs of Odessa. She is also survived by her adored great-grandchildren, Branson and Jace Beck of Mustang, Ethan, Logan, Avery, and Hattie Young of Prosper; and cousin, Rhonda Lynch of Oklahoma City, OK.

The Pallbearers will be Terry Riddle, Jeff Gibbs, Justin Young, Dillon Curd, Kennison Vardeman, and Carson Gibbs. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to Second Baptist Church of Odessa.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the medical team at Medical Center Hospital, Home Hospice, and the caring staff at Buena Vida, who provided exceptional care to Shirley over the past 15 months.

Lastly, the Vardeman family wishes to honor and thank Dwane for his incredible example of devotion and love. His care for Shirley was nothing short of a blessing, and the family is deeply grateful for his unwavering support. We love you, Dad.