Shirley R. Schlegel, 84, of rural Cridersville, passed away at 6:03 a.m. Monday, January 14, 2019, at St. Rita’s Mercy Health Center. She was born in Lima on September 14, 1934 to the late Marion O. and Arwilda M. (Stombaugh) Roser. On June 8, 1952, she married her childhood sweetheart, John L. Schlegel, Jr., andContinue Reading
Shirley R. Schlegel, 84, of rural Cridersville, passed away at 6:03 a.m. Monday, January 14, 2019, at St. Rita’s Mercy Health Center. She was born in Lima on September 14, 1934 to the late Marion O. and Arwilda M. (Stombaugh) Roser. On June 8, 1952, she married her childhood sweetheart, John L. Schlegel, Jr., and they celebrated over 61 years of marriage together until his passing on November 27, 2013.
She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Michael) Fry, and son, Karl (Janice Wehrman) Schlegel, of Wapakoneta; four grandchildren, Natalie (Scott) Sheipline, Brittany (Ryan) Baightel, Hans (Laura) Schlegel, and Heidi (Eric) Hahn; five great-grandchildren, Avery and Carson Sheipline, Hadley Baightel, and Annika and Stein Schlegel. She is also survived by an aunt, Imogene Roser, former daughter-in-law, Marian (James) Kreger, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Shirley graduated from Cridersville High School in 1952 where she was a cheerleader for the Fighting Rams and a pianist for many school musicals and performances. Her love of playing the piano began as a young girl learning from her mother and playing at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, and carries on today through the talents of her daughter and granddaughters, and no doubt for many generations to come.
Growing up and living on a farm west of Cridersville, she was a vital part of the farming operations for her father, husband, and son. At any hour of the day, she would often be seen running errands, providing transportation, bringing supplies, or cooking a meal for a picnic in the field. Many fond moments were enjoyed in her duties as a devoted daughter, wife, and mother around the farm.
In 1965, Shirley began a successful 30-year professional career in the Personnel Department at the Westinghouse/Sundstrand Corporation in Lima, OH. She always remembered the wonderful friendships she made throughout the years and cherished the memories of a special time in her life.
Shirley was a lifelong member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Cridersville, where she continued her faith life as an active member of the congregation appreciating the many talents of all those who served. The music offered by the musicians, along with the messages of the ministers, was a special joy of hers, and she will be eternally grateful for the inspiration they provided in her daily life.
Shirley treasured many of the beautiful moments in life. Along with her husband, John, they spent many countless hours on leisurely drives in the countryside, exploring unique and interesting places, and experiencing the beauty that nature offered along the way. As a couple, John and Shirley traveled to all 50 states, sightseeing at many of the country’s National Parks. One of their favorite places to go was Rice Lake, Canada where they enjoyed many good times with family and friends.
Above all else, Shirley’s favorite pastime was spending time with her family. Whether playing a game of cards, preparing a meal or dessert, attending sporting events and activities, she was always there to support her family, lend a listening ear, or offer an encouraging word. Shirley truly loved what the Lord had blessed her with, and even through the challenges she faced, she kept a positive attitude and hopeful vision of her glorious eternal life ahead.
Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 19, 2019, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Cridersville with Pastor Samuel Payne officiating. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m., and 6-8 p.m., Friday at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville, and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church in memory of Shirley Schlegel. The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Rita’s Mercy Health Center and Otterbein-Cridersville for the care they provided, for all those who prayed for her, and for those who understand Shirley’s reverence of accepting the Lord’s blessings and mercy, both great and small.
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