Obituary of Shirley Melnechenko

The family of Shirley Marie Melnechenko (Gehring) sadly announce her passing on January 7, 2026 at 83 years young.

Shirley was born on December 03, 1942 in Melville, SK and lived in Fenwood, SK where she was baptized on Dec. 20, 1942. She was later confirmed on April 14, 1957 at Zion Lutheran Church after her family had moved to Yorkton. She later married Melvin Melnechenko on Aug. 04, 1962 at Zion Lutheran Church. Shirley worked as a waitress at The Corner House and later as a meat cutter at the OK Economy Grocery Store. She began to raise her family and also became a child care provider for many other families in the Yorkton area over the next 40 years. Shirley was always very involved in the Zion Lutheran Church and especially enjoyed being a part of the church choir.

Shirley is predeceased by her Father Edward Gehring, her Mother Mary Gehring as well as her brothers Alvin Gehring and Elroy Gehring.

She will be sadly missed and forever treasured by her children Curtis (Margo), Cindy (Aaron), Kevin (Joanne) her grandchildren Colby (Casey), Breanna (Collin), Amanda (Ryan), Kendra (Dylan), Bryce (Kaylee) and her Great Grandchildren Brooks, Tavon, Camdyn, and Lilith as well as her Sister, Marlene Gehring and her Brother Warren (Sandi) Gehring.

Shirley’s family would like to say a special thank you to all of the health care workers at the Yorkton Regional Hospital who helped take care of her in her final days. Their thoughtfulness was so greatly appreciated.

The Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Kai Buck officiating. Organist Verna Liebrecht led the congregation in the hymns. The interment followed in the Garden of St. Mark, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Cindy Fisher serving as urn bearer.

Memorial donations may be made to Zion Lutheran Church Memorial Fund as gifts of remembrance.