Rosemary S. "Rosie" Shirk

SHIRK, Rosemary S. “Rosie”, age 80 of Vandalia, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 4, 2016 at her home. Rosemary was born October 31, 1936 in Troy, OH, daughter of the late Harold and Eulalia (Benkert) Strong. She attended St. Patrick Catholic School and was a 1954 graduate of Troy High School.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Michael Shirk and five children: Jane Tompkins, James (Peggy) Shirk, John (Michele) Shirk, Julia (Jeff) Hughes, and Joann (Andy) Morgan; 16 grandchildren, Emily (Travis) Funk, Andy Tompkins (Theresa), Rebecca Patterson, William Tompkins, Michael Shirk, Ryan Shirk, Alex Shirk, Nicole (Tim) Staley, Johnny Shirk, Jackson Bush, Samantha Hughes, Bennett Hughes, Natalie Hughes, Collin Morgan, Clayton Morgan, and Alley Morgan; three great-granddaughters, Hazel Funk, Ava Shirk Huffman and Luna Staley; and one sister, Judy (Dave) Seitz.

Rosemary was an active member of St. Christopher Catholic Church in many capacities. She served as a member of the Worship Commission and the Faith Formation and Enrichment Committee. She was a team member of the Christ Renews His Parish program and was a leader of The Nice Day to Celebrate Marriage. Most recently she enjoyed being a bereavement minister helping the bereaved plan funerals for their loved ones. She was a presenter for pre-Cana and Marriage Encounter weekends at the retreat house in Maria Stein. She was a loving wife and mother; a very kind, giving and humble person with a deep faith and love of prayer. Her greatest gift was the ability to extend compassion to everyone she met. She loved to feed and watch the birds at the kitchen window. For over thirty years, she and her close friend, Ruth Ann, enjoyed painting crafts together nearly every week.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, December 10, at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 435 E. National Rd., Vandalia with Fr. Francis Keferl officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Troy, Ohio. The family will receive friends at St. Christopher Church on Friday evening from 4-7 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Hotel, House of Bread or Elizabeth’s New Life Center in Rosie’s memory. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the loving care given by Hospice of Dayton during her brief illness. Arrangements entrusted to Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, Vandalia. www.mortonwhetstonefh.com