Shirley J Ritchey
August 31, 1930 ~ June 8, 2014
Born in: Franklin, Pennsylvania
Shirley J. Ritchey, 83, of Franklin, passed away at 11:45 p.m., at The Caring Place, on Sunday, June 8.Born August 31, 1930 in Franklin, Shirley was the daughter of the late Charles Gilbert and Sadie Sebina Feltenberger DeLong. She was the last surviving member of the Gilbert DeLong family. She married Lloyd D. Ritchey on October 3, 1947 and he preceded her in death on April 29, 2014.Shirley worked in the office at Joy Manufacturing for more than 29 years. She enjoyed playing Bingo. Shirley especially enjoyed her family and taking care of them when they needed her.Shirley is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Lester E. DeLong, and her sisters, Evelyn Forsell, Nolene Reynolds, Donna Keely, Pauline Case, Alberta Boughner and Frances Williams. Family and friends of Shirley will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin on Wednesday, June 11th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. following visitation with Rev. Jonathan Bell, pastor of the Franklin Wesleyan Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Graham Cemetery.In Shirley's memory, memorial contributions may be made to The Christian Loving Fund, PO Box 1055, Franklin PA 16323 and/or Asera Care Hospice, 1600 Pennisula Drive, Suite 14, Erie PA 16505.To send flowers, cards, online condolences, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.
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Meme, we can’t believe your gone. I’m sorry we didn’t get the chance to say goodbye. We miss you already, but I know you are with Pap now and that gives us all comfort. You two loved each other so well and you just couldn’t be without one another. You were an amazing woman and many people loved you so much. RIP Meme. Until we all meet again.
Love Michael, Renee, Breana and Devon
Here is the poem I read at the funeral service. As I wrote it, I tried to put into words the things I would like to say to Aunt Shirl as she passed from this world into the next.
Flight
It is time
now
to get up and get your wings on,
to step free
of your poor, weary body
and prepare to fly.
He went before you
to make a place.
Hop up
on those little deer legs
and don your brightest colors,
–red and purple together
in a loud pattern
and lipstick in the perfect shade of crimson.
Your spirit can dance and swirl now
Free to move again,
Free to rise.
Go ahead
and laugh out loud,
–that full, deep chuckle
that springs from your belly,
and let your spine regain
its strong vertical line
as your feet find
sure and unfailing purchase.
You are on your way.
Make sure to wear your best brassiere
–the one that lifts and separates
and crosses your steadfast heart.
He loved the sight of your figure
approaching.
Your bosom like a mighty bastion,
both a fortress and the deepest of havens.
The light will be bright,
so wear your sunglasses as well.
Maybe, the old Ray Bans with the
white frames
that lent you that edge
like James Dean,
even though you looked like
Elizabeth Taylor.
Be quick.
You know where you are going,
and don’t look back.
We will pray you on your way.
We will sing you to him.
We will rest in the knowledge
that you are flying now
and you are on your way
to join your good man
for good.
(5/29/14 For Aunt Shirl)
With love,
Shelly Boughner
I am so sorry I missed you Shirley. To celebrate the life you lived and shared. We had many a good time in the Moose Club and their parties. You should you love to all. Anyone that came around you would leave with a smile on their face. I am so glad you were my friend Women of the Moose.
Rest in Peace
Your friend, Carolyn Baughman