Shirley R. Boley

Shirley Rae Boley, age 87, passed away at her rural Coldwater home on Friday, July 15, 2022.

She was born May 14, 1935, in Mercer County, to Robert Eugene and Doris Rae (Warrick) Kuhn.

On November 22, 1957, Shirley married Joe L. Boley.  He preceded her in death November 20, 2018.

Surviving are their children: daughter, Leisa Boley (Kent) Hellwarth and son, Jerry Boley, of Celina, and sisters-in-law: Mary M. Boley of Celina and Mary R. Boley of Nelsonville.

Shirley was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law: Harold “Bud” and Phyllis Kuhn, and Joe’s brothers: Roger Max Boley, Neal Boley, and John Martin Boley, who died in childhood.

A 1953 graduate of Celina High School, Shirley and Joe worked together as equal partners on their farm, where they raised grain and purebred Chester White hogs.  Shirley worshiped at the Wabash United Church of Christ for a number of years, and later attended the Celina First Church of God.   She volunteered in the Household and Floral Departments at the Mercer County Fair for many years.  Shirley also enjoyed crocheting and knitting.  

An avid gardener, Shirley followed the Farmer's Almanac, and planted by the signs of the moon.  She raised many types of flowers, and vast quantities of produce - especially potatoes, onions, and tomatoes.  Shirley generously shared the bounty from her gardens with family and friends.  She particularly enjoyed growing, drying, and polishing gourds, which she would display and gift.  One of Shirley's favorite activities was mowing with her riding lawnmower, which she was still proud to accomplish until recent years.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, July 21, at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina, with the Rev. Sharon Stonerock officiating.  Burial will follow at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina.

Calling Hours are 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, July 20, and an hour prior to Services on Thursday, July 21, at the Funeral Home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to EverHeart Hospice, 1350 N. Broadway, Greenville, OH, 45331.

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