Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Shirley A. Ford (April 4, 2020)

Shirley A. Ford, age 81 of Greenville, Ohio died in the early morning on April 4, 2020 at Resthaven Nursing Home, Greenville, Ohio; she had been in failing health for the past 2 years, and passed away from cancer and other health issues. Born August 13, 1938 in Union City, Indiana to Mary Catherine (Yoder) Melia & Estil Roth. She worked at Fairlawn Steak House in Greenville as a cook for many years. Also, at Lambert’s in Ansonia and Hines Bowling Alley in Greenville also as a cook. Later she worked at Heartland Nursing Home in Greenville as a nurse’s aide and later as a housekeeper, retiring after 26 years there. Preceding her in death were her parents: daughter Susan M. Yount: sisters Betty Jordan; Margaret Grile: half- brother Ron Hines: nephew Bucky Grile: husband’s Delbert Yount; David Weitemier; Lloyd Fort; Christopher Ford.

Surviving are her children Delbert Yount, Jr. & Jami of Versailles; Pamela Brewer & Ken of Greenville; Sheryl Yount of Greenville; Rick Yount of Greenville: grandson Eric Yount of Richmond, IN: sisters Carol Sue Schuler of Hamilton, OH; Helen Teeter of Greenville: special cousin Tammy Reier of Greenville: nieces and nephews: former good neighbors Carol Fashnet; Suzi & Mike Brown: co-worker Shirley Duke: and a very special thank you to the State of the Heart Hospice Care Team for all of the comfort and care they gave to Shirley: Also to all her caregivers at Resthaven, especially Adam, Carla, Ashley, Tonya, Tammy M. & Quinella “Moo” at Resthaven for all their hard work, patience, care and kindness of Shirley during this difficult time with the corona virus.

Shirley was a lifelong member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and was baptized in 1965. She loved to read and study the bible. She also loved her spiritual family at the Kingdom Hall. Above all, she believed in the resurrection hope and the hope that the bible talks about for the dead to be brought back to life on a paradise earth that helped to sustain her in her last days.

She was a hard-working, strong, dependable and generous woman, and would give you the shirt off her back. Shirley loved animals, and gave to several animal charities over the years. She loved feeding her outside birds, flowers, country music and TV westerns. Also, on occasional glass of champagne, and “vanilla frosties”, She was an amazing cook, and provided great meals to her family over the years. In her 70’s she wrote her autobiography for her kids.

Shirley grew up on a farm and really enjoyed the farm life. She drove John Deere tractors, and when about 10 years old she pulled her sister, Carol Sue from quick sand on the farm with the tractor and saved her life, all by herself!

She loved the Darke County Fair since childhood, and never missed a year. She camped out at the fairgrounds for over 26 years; she became a very skilled camper. She would also take her scooter and load her dog “Babe” on the front of it and cruise the fairgrounds during off times at fair, they both had a blast, and the Early Bird once took their picture. She loved to fish, backpack, and took many trips to Canada, West Virginia and Michigan with her second husband.

She lived a full life, she was loved by many, and will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, services for Shirley are to be private and conducted by Elder Kirby Goff. Burial to follow at Ft. Jefferson Oakgrove cemetery, Greenville, Ohio. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to State of the Heart Care. Arrangements entrusted to Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio www.zecharbailey.com.