Shirley Ann Ott
December 23, 1934 – April 12, 2026
Shirley Ann (Cowan, Adams) Ott, 91, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026, in Braymer, Missouri, at Golden Age Nursing Home, surrounded by family. She was born on December 23, 1934, to Harold L. Cowan and Garnet Juanita (Belshe) Cowan. She was baptized in 1961 at Plymouth Methodist Church and attended Plymouth and Braymer schools. She was a Daughter of the American Revolution.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Dale Bruce Cowan and infant brother Phillip Cowan; her former husband, Carl Adams; her former husband, Maynard Ott; her son, Scott Adams; and step-children Frank Sgambato and Randy Ott; nephew Tony Passiglia; great-nephew Austin Anderson; and great-niece Allison Passiglia.

She is survived by her brother Jerry Cowan; sister-in-law Barb Cowan; her son Mike Adams; her grandchildren Cierra Barron (husband John Barron), Olivia Derickson (husband Ryan Derickson), and Carlie Adams; and her cherished great-granddaughter, Ophelia Derickson. She is also survived by her nieces Connie Fuson, Teresa Summerville (Chris Summerville), Julie Gorhman (Phillip), and Sherri Passiglia; along with 10 great nieces and nephews, 5 great-great nieces and nephews, and 4 great-great-great nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her stepchildren Denise Everman, Glen Ott, and Shane Ott, as well as many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Shirley shared a life of hard work and dedication. Alongside her husband Carl Adams, she opened The Country Place in October 1974, a beloved skate and dance arena that brought joy to many. There, they hosted top Nashville country and western performers as well as local bands, creating lasting memories for the community. Over the years, Shirley also contributed her time and talents working on the family farm in Braymer and Weatherby, in banking, at FC Grace Furniture Store, and at Cameron Hospital, where she continued working into her mid-80s. She also spent many years as a Mary Kay consultant, building lasting relationships and becoming someone people still fondly remember and speak of today.

Shirley lived a life defined by hard work and resilience. More than anything, she will be remembered for the way she loved. She found joy in simple, meaningful moments, music, dancing, tending her garden and chickens, sitting quietly on her front porch, or preparing a home-cooked meal for those she cared about. Her home was a place of comfort where everyone was welcome, and no one ever left hungry. She had a special gift for making people feel seen and remembered, always keeping up with birthdays, milestones, and the everyday details that mattered most.

Shirley’s kindness was constant, her generosity boundless, and her compassion touched countless lives. She gave freely of her time, her heart, and her love, leaving behind a legacy that will live on in her family and all those she impacted.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Shirley will be laid to rest next to her love, Carl Adams, at Evergreen Cemetery.

Funeral service will be held at Lindley Pitts Funeral Home, Braymer, Missouri, on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until service time at 6:00 p.m. Friends may sign the register book on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Lindley Pitts Funeral Home, Braymer, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Golden Age Nursing Home and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Pitts Funeral Home, Braymer, Missouri.