Shirley Himes

HIMES, Shirley, age 92 of Kettering, OH passed peacefully away on July 7th, 2024. She was preceded in death by George Himes, her husband of 71 years. She is also survived by her three daughters, Angela Shaw (Mark), Lyn Schaadt (Jack) and Cheri Cantini (Evan); grandchildren Jon Schaadt (Amber), Jason Shaw (Elizabeth), Michael Schaadt (Erin), Bryan Shaw (Faith), Erin Fransen (Chad), Nicholas Schaadt (Lauren), and Elise Fuller (Jacob). She is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren.

Shirley was born on November 12, 1931, to the late Fred and Della Agnew, in Kewanee Illinois. She was actively involved in the Baptist youth group at First Baptist Church of Kewanee while growing up. She met her future husband, George Himes, at the age of 14. When George joined the Navy during the Korean War, Shirley traveled to San Francisco to marry him. They were stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, where they spent the first 3 years of their marriage. After being honorably discharged, they returned to Illinois with their first baby and another on the way. George and Shirley eventually moved to Ohio with all three girls. Her most important job was keeping a loving and nurturing home for her family. In her free time, she was a talented seamstress, and was known to design and create clothing for her girls. Shirley was a voracious lifelong reader and passed on her love of literature to the rest of her family. She was happiest when she had her family gathered around the dinner table to enjoy one of her delicious home-cooked meals. After George’s retirement in 1987 they traveled extensively together, including to all 50 states. George and Shirley have been actively involved in their church for all their married life. Shirley will be remembered for her compassion, nurturing personality and extreme love of her family.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 11-12pm, at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd. Kettering, OH 45429, with a funeral service to be held following at 12 noon. A livestream of the service will be available via Routsong’s YouTube channel. Burial at Miami Valley Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, in recognition of the excellent care provided to Shirley.