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Shirley Elaine Molden, 82, of Somerset, Kentucky passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026 at Russell County Hospital in Russell Springs, KY under Hospice care. Shirley was born on February 28,1944 to the late Lloyd Dalton and Bernice Vanhooser Dalton Tarter of Nancy.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Vertrees Molden, whom she was married on 11/8/1962 in Nancy, Kentucky. She and Vertrees have four children David (Rhonda) Molden of Lexington, KY; Dale (Kelly) Molden of Colleyville, TX; Marlana Stewart of Somerset, KY; and Bart (Cindy) Molden of Nancy, KY. They have eight grandchildren, Sarah O’Donnell, Mark Molden, Alyssa Molden, Matt Molden, Ryan Molden, Will Molden, Audrey Stewart and Lydia Stewart and seven great-grandchildren. Shirley was a very caring and loving mother, always guiding her children and grandchildren to love the Lord and follow Him in all their decisions. She is also survived by one half-sister, Kaye (Arthur) Hudson of Russell Springs and two half-brothers Butch (Pam) Dalton and Rudy Dean (Charlene) Dalton of Ohio as well as many extended family members.
Shirley was the former owner and operator of Shirley’s Cakes. She spent many years focused on creating personalized birthday cakes as well as stunning wedding and anniversary cakes for couples to enjoy on their special day. She also enjoyed preparing food for groups of various sizes whether it was through her cake/catering business, preparing Wednesday night meals at church, or feeding various friends of her children that were always gathering at the house around mealtimes.
She was an active member and officer in various organizations across her life such as Lake Cumberland Area Homemakers, Bluegrass Cake Decorators, Somerset Christian Woman’s Club and The Gideons Auxiliary. She also taught cake decorating and candy making classes for several years in Somerset and the surrounding counties. Additionally, she spent many years teaching children and youth at church, including being the Bible Drill leader for many years at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. She was a charter member of Grace Baptist Church in Somerset. Most recently she enjoyed working on crossword puzzles, listening to music and reading, often completing over 100 books per year in addition to reading her Bible through each year on multiple occasions.
Visitation will held be on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Grace Baptist Church beginning at 3:00 pm followed by a funeral service at 7:00 PM with Dr. Todd Meadows officiating. An additional visitation will be held at Grace Baptist Church on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM followed by procession and burial at Lakeside Memorial Gardens in Somerset.
It was Shirley’s desire that expressions of sympathy be made to the Gideon Living Memorial Bible fund. www.sendtheword.org
“Shew me thy ways, O Lord, teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” – Psalm 25:4-7. KJV
Southern Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
I want to say I was so glad to meet this lady at the hospital and take care of her and get to know her family. My prayers are with her husband and family. It was a blessing to get to know each and every one of this family. She will be missed
Bro. Vertrese and family you have my deepest sympathy. Hugs and Prayers. Amanda
Thank you Amanda. We appreciate your prayers and thoughtfulness toward our family.
Thank you Crystal for taking such good care of our mother and our family. Words cannot express our appreciation for you. We appreciate your prayers.
Dear Vertrees, children and grandchildren. Words cannot express our deep love, respect and honor for our Sister, and Sister-In-Christ Shirley. The birthday cards we yearly exchanged, the phone calls, the laughter will all be missed and cherished in our hearts. We Thank God for allowing us the opportunity to visit and just love you and Shirley. We know she’s with The Master of our souls, laying her crown down at His Feet, as He proclaims…”Well Done, My Good and Faithful Servant”! All are in our prayers of comfort! Jesus Wept. We love you!!! (Rudy and Charlene Dalton)
Vertrees, David, Dale and the entire Molden family.
We are so very sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. She was such a terrific lady and will be missed by so many people that were fortunate enough to cross paths with her.
Vertrees I know you and my father Jim were friends for many years, July 4th marked 20 years since his passing. I know he is looking down on your family as Mike, my brother and I are sending blessings, prayers and comfort your way.
I am so sorry to learn of Shirley’s passing. We’ve enjoyed many cakes that she created for our family. She was also a distant cousin. Our prayers for your family are for comfort, peace and strength.
My condolences to the entire family. I got to know Shirley through her involvement in Pulaski County Extension Homemakers and her children’s involvement in the Pulaski County Extension 4-H Program. She loved her family deeply, practiced her faith actively and worked to make life better for those she touched. I know precious memories, love, and faith with give you strength at this time of loss.
So sorry for Shirley’s passing. Such a sweet person. What I remembered about was her laugh, sometimes at such little things. To Vertrees and all the kids I say hi and send blessings.