Shirley Smith
October 16, 1936 – April 23, 2024
Shirley Smith, age 87, of Lucas, Ohio passed away on April 23, 2024 after a brief illness. Though she has departed this life, she leaves behind her an unmistakable radiance enjoyed by all who loved her.
Born in Mansfield on October 16, 1936 to Calvin N. and Margaret (Schmidt) Walter, she was a vibrant soul imbued with a sense of adventure. She attended Tiffin University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree before taking to the skies to follow her dreams.
She worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines for many years, meanwhile earning her pilot’s license. Throughout her life, she quelled her need for new experiences by moving around the country. She spent time on a fifty-foot sailboat living in San Francisco Bay while she worked for an attorney’s office as a paralegal. Shirley made her home in Clearwater, Florida and Bozeman, Montana at different times as well, all the while camping and traveling in her Volkswagen bus and tear-drop trailer. While living in Montana, she and her husband shared their zest for life with children at the Willow Creek School as well as Bozeman’s public schools, and even volunteered as mentors.
Her vitality and unlimited energy was a gift enjoyed by many in her circle. She was preceded in death by her husband Glenn Smith, parents Calvin and Margaret Walter, brother Calvin “Butch” Walter, and sister-in-law Gwen Walter. Her brother Don; step children Shelly and Brian of Port Angeles, Washington; and numerous nieces, nephews, and special friends were all fortunate enough to thrive in her love and luminosity and continue to cherish her memory. Her intrepid and bold nature lives on in the communities she impacted as well, including the Linden Road Presbyterian Church and the Kingwood Center Gardens.
Shirley’s family will receive friends Monday, April 29, 2024 from 1pm – 2pm in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where a funeral service honoring Shirley’s life will begin immediately at 2 p.m. Pastor Tom Roepke will speak. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Shirley’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence to them at SnyderFuneralHomes.com
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