Shirley Stire

 Shirley Mae “Toby” Stire of Cadiz passed away peacefully on Wednesday September 6, 2023 at the Harrison Community Hospital.  She was born December 27, 1936 in Lumberport, WV to the late Archie Virgil Schrader and Nola Pearl Schrader.  Shirley was also preceded in death by her brother William D. (Doris) Schrader and sister Mary Anna Chrisman.  

Shirley will be best remembered for her passion of serving others.  Her and her husband Donald Lee Stire were married August 3rd, 1955.  She picked that day because “I love you” contained 3 words.  They moved to Ohio following Don’s career into the coal mines.  They first became involved in ministry by volunteering to be Joint Youth leaders at Jewett United Methodist Church from 1969 to 1973.  With that success Donald accepted a pastor role with the Greater Asbury Methodist Parish where he stayed from 1973 to1979.  Here Shirley took on the role of parish secretary, pastor’s wife and often even piano player.  She learned piano as a kid where she had to walk 15 miles twice a week to get lessons.  Sometimes she would have her children sing along with her in church, a theme that would be repeated with grandchildren many years later.  The whole family spent many nights and weekends visiting patients at the County Home, handing out crosses at the County Fair, and providing food and comfort to anyone in need. Finally, Donald accepted the pastor role at New Rumley Methodist Church from 1979 to 1990.  Here Shirley took on more of a leadership role with the United Methodist Women’s Conference and even went on a mission trip to the mountains in Mexico in 2004.  Shirley was a relentless giver.  At the same time she earned a degree in Religious Studies from Franciscan University and earned her certification as a Nurse Assistant.  She worked 15 years at the Harrison Community Hospital where she most enjoyed being the Patient Activity Coordinator.  Through all these years she raised children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, making each feel special.  It is impossible to list all the people she impacted with her life and she will always be an inspiration to her family and all that knew her.  As a little girl she would run to her dad coming home from work, pat his face while he sang “You are My Sunshine” to her.  She has spent her life being sunshine to us all.    

Shirley is survived by her loving husband Donald Lee Stire and three children Sherri (Pat) Sliva , Donna Mattern and David (Carrie) Stire.     Grandchildren Amber Rusciano, Kristy (John) Visser, Brittany (Bryan) Esarey, Bethany (Cory) Passmore, Matt Guthrie, Benjamin Stire and Claire (Jeff) Woodruff.   Great Grandchildren Roderick Cowans, Isaiah Cowans, Jakob Cowans, Emma Rusciano, Toby Rusciano, Peyton Visser, J.B. Visser, Bryson Mattern, Caydence Esarey, Adelyn Esarey, Bryan Esarey, Cobe Passmore, Cameron Passmore, Presley Guthrie, Owen Guthrie and great great granddaughter Raya Cowans.  She is also survived by three sisters, June Howe, Wilma Howe and Eileen (Raymond) Newbrough.  

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 from 6 pm to  8 pm at Clark-Kirkland-Barr Funeral Home, Cadiz, Ohio.  Funeral service will be held on Wednesday September 13, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at New Rumley Global Methodist Church, 41395 Scio New Rumley Road, Scio, Ohio (New Rumley) with Rev. Mick Foster officiating.  Burial will follow in Rumley Township Methodist Cemetery. 

While flowers are appreciated you can also make a donation to the New Rumley Global Methodist Church.  

The memorial guestbook may be signed at www.clark-kirkland-barr.com.