Shirley (Parker) Keeley

Shirley Mae Keeley of Transfer, PA went home to meet her Lord on Wednesday, September 16th, 2015 at 5:30 pm in her home. Her daughters and grandson were at her side.
She was born on May 24th, 1928 in her parents’ home in Sharon, PA to Raymond and Florence (Turner) Parker. Shirley graduated from Transfer High School where she actually skipped her first grade of school, as she was so bright.
Shirley worked for the Reynolds School District for 25 years in the Reynolds Elementary School cafeteria. She was loved by so many students who remembered her for her kind words and pleasant smile. After retiring, she volunteered for many years at the Good Sheppard Center in Greenville.
On September 1st, 1945 she married Chester W. Keeley, the love of her life. He preceded her in death on November 9th, 2014. They would have celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary this year.
Shirley attended Sharpsville Church of the Nazarene for many years and was currently attending Transfer Evangelical Church of God. She had been a Sunday school teacher and a youth group leader at both churches. She had also been the Sunday school treasurer and secretary at her Transfer church.
Shirley and her husband bought the former Heile farm in Transfer in 1946. She helped her husband make the run-down farm house, that had been used for target practice by camp Reynolds, into a home that welcomed many. She made curtains from feed sacks to decorate their home. Later they built another home, which was always known for its beautiful lake, and brought so much enjoyment to many through the years.
She enjoyed their camp in Chapman Dam, PA. She and her family have many happy memories of times spent their. Through the years, her and her husband enjoyed traveling throughout the US and camping with their siblings and their spouses. Shirley and her daughters made many trips to Amish country in Holmes County which she loved so much.
Shirley and her husband always made friends and family feel welcome and loved as they shared their faith in God with all who touch their lives.
Shirley was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a friend to many and faithfully called her only living sibling, Lena, every night before going to bed. As the Bible states in Proverbs 31:28 “Her children rise up and call her blessed.”
Even in her last years of declining health, Shirley was truly a testimony of faith in her Lord. She will remain in the memories of those who loved her and we can rest assured that she is welcomed home in Heaven.
Shirley is survived by two daughters, Diane Mohr of Transfer, PA, Becky Milliron and her husband Lew of Greenville, PA. Her grandchildren Stephanie Lowe and her husband Rick of Blacklick, OH, Darren Keeley and his wife Bonnie of Kenton, OH and Larry Strausser II who has resided with his grandmother in Transfer, PA  and has helped care for her and her husband for the past three years.  
She was preceded in death by her husband Chester, her father Raymond Parker, her mother Florence Parker, her brother Joseph Parker, her sisters, Doris Bartlet, Marian Lary, and her only son Donald Keeley.
She greatly loved and appreciated her dear caregiver Robin Straka showed her such love and devotion for several years. Robin made it possible for her family to care for her in her home during her last days on earth. Shirley would say… God bless you Robin.
Friends may call Sunday September 20th, 2015 from 4 pm to 7 pm at Stephen J. Sherman Funeral Home 2201 Highland Rd. Hermitage, PA .
Funeral services will be held on Monday September 21st, 2015 at 11:00 am in the Stephen J. Sherman Funeral Home with Rev. Frank Lane, officiating.

Interment will take place in Transfer Cemetery

Memorial contributions may be sent to Samaritans Purse International Relief 801 Bamboo, NC 28607 or Good Sheppard Center Inc. 144-146 Main St. Greenville, PA 16125.

Arrangements entrusted to the Stephen J. Sherman Funeral Home & Cremation Service

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