Shirley Myers

Shirley was born on March 2, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After her high school graduation in 1957, she pursued a degree in Biology at the University of Texas at Austin where she graduated in 1960. After college graduation, Shirley taught biology at Austin High School. She married Fred Wendlandt on December 18, 1959, and they settled in Austin, Texas. Shirley and Fred, married 61 years, had a unique bond and spent their weekends with family and friends together enjoying the outdoors at their ranch or their lake house on Lake Travis. Her children remember her as a loving and dedicated mother who was always willing to sacrifice her time to participate in the activities they loved, such as hunting, and fishing, and she was a constant presence at both her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. 

Shirley was an energetic, selfless, intentional, insightful, and hospitable individual, who loved her friends and family. She especially loved spending time with her four granddaughters and was always dreaming up new activities and adventures for them to enjoy. She was passionate about all her hobbies and interests, including a book club of 50 years, bridge clubs, gardening, and making their family ranch a place for all to enjoy. Warm and gracious, she was a true friend who had a unique ability to really “see” people and make them feel valued, known and important. And to all who knew her, it was clear that her faith was the most important thing in her life. She and Fred were very involved in their home church, Shiloh Bible Church. She took to heart the teachings of Jesus and never missed a chance to share her faith. 

Shirley was also deeply committed to the philosophy and mission of her grandparents, Garry and Caroline Myers, the founders of Highlights for Children. Shirley was elected to the board of directors in 1979 and served for a remarkable 34 years during a period of expansive company growth. She brought a quiet confidence and thoughtful approach to deliberations and led several searches for non-family board members. Most importantly, Shirley provided family “glue” for three generations of siblings and cousins. She was a wonderful listener, appreciating the views of others, and very persuasively sharing her own.