Shirley (Thompson) Mohler

Shirley (Thompson) Mohler passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, in New Braunfels, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 18, 1935, in Runnels County, Texas, to Claud and Verda Mae (Yancey) Thompson. Shirley was raised on the family ranch, where she cherished her childhood days on the farm. She attended the one-room schoolhouse in Bethel, which also served as the community church on Sundays, where she played piano for the services. Bright and ambitious, she graduated early from Ballinger High School at the age of 16.

She went on to attend Hardin-Simmons University, earning a degree in Education. After college, she began her journey as a mother, raising her three children—Colette, Adette, and Alan. Following a difficult divorce, Shirley returned to Texas and courageously raised her children as a single mother while pursuing a Master’s degree in Reading from Southern Methodist University. She was among the first to complete this pioneering program at SMU.

While teaching in San Angelo, Shirley met the love of her life, Harris “Grosse” Mohler. They married on June 8, 1967. Grosse adopted her children, becoming the devoted father they had longed for. Together they later welcomed two more children, Rick and Tami, who quickly became the center of her heart. Shirley’s teaching career spanned several states, including Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas. As the wife of a coach and a dedicated educator, she taught nearly every grade level—except Kindergarten—and even taught at the college level at Texas Tech and Sul Ross State University.

After retirement, Shirley joined Grosse in his ministry as an associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in San Angelo, offering comfort and support to many families during times of grief as well as many weddings and baptisms. She was involved in the Walk to Emmaus spiritual renewal movement and participated in one of its earliest walks.

Shirley had a deep love for crafts; especially creating beautiful, hand-designed tapestries that she lovingly made for her churches and family. She was an avid reader and writer; she often crafted heartfelt stories and poems for a variety of occasions and reasons, finding joy in expressing herself through words. Shirley had a voracious passion for card and board games, with favorites including bridge, Scrabble, and most recently, Skip-Bo—where her fiercely competitive spirit always shone through. She was an avid cook and passed on her legacy of cooking and candy making to her kids and grandkids. Some special friends even benefitted from her secret recipes. She and Grosse shared many joyful adventures traveling with family, church and bridge groups.

After their second retirement, Shirley and Grosse moved to Garland, Texas where she embraced her favorite role as “Oma,” lovingly caring for her grandsons, Hunter and Case. Her legacy is one of strength, grace, humor, and an unshakable faith.

Shirley is survived by her children: Colette Singleton, Adette Irish (Kent), Alan Mohler (Sandy), Rick Mohler (Midge) and Tami Monroe (Mark). Grandchildren: Cari Bixler, Brandon Irish, Carody Irish, Chutney Mohler, Riley McGovern, Natalie McGovern, Hunter Monroe and Case Monroe; great-grandchildren: Halen & Brianna Bixler. She also is survived by a sister, Nancy Baker and many, many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Grosse, her parents, her brothers Claude Thompson and Robert “Bob” Thompson, and Sister-in-law Beppo Speck and husband Denny Ray.

She will be remembered by her infectious smile and well as a devoted wife, loving mother, caring grandmother, and faithful servant to others. A memorial service will take place on Thursday, May 8 at 11 AM at First United Methodist, New Braunfels. A commitment of ashes/celebration of life will take place on May 18, 2 PM at First Methodist, San Angelo in the Heritage Hall. Our family would like to say a special thanks to the Moore family with Dignity Care for their compassionate love & attention and New Braunfels Hope Hospice who lovingly cared for Shirley over the past year.