Dr. Shirley A. Williams, 70, Keystone Odessa, Fla., passed away peacefully on Dec. 15, 2014, with her husband by her side.

She was born in Florida at the old Drew field (now TIA), Tampa, to Don and Jean Ahlers. She was married for 30 years to Robert Ballenger, who survives in Keystone Odessa.

Also surviving are three children, Sarah (David) Anspach, Springboro, Jenny (Jeff) Johnides, Celina, and Jason Ballenger, St. Marys; five grandchildren, Abby and Adam Anspach, both of Springboro, Ali Johnides, Celina, and Brianne and Kaisey Ballenger, both of St. Marys; a brother, Ron (Carol) Ahlers, Sag Harbor, Long Island, N.Y.; and her stepmother, Joan Ahlers, Seminole, Fla.

She was born while her father was serving in the U.S. Army in China, so she did not get to meet him until she was two years old. When the war ended her father returned and the family moved to Englewood, west of Dayton, where she grew up.

She graduated from Northmont High School when she was 17-years-old and continued her education at The Ohio State University. She was the valedictorian of her undergraduate class of 5,000 and went on to earn her doctorate in 1972.

She became a professor of Spanish at the OSU-Lima campus, during which time she wrote two college level textbooks. Both were published and quite successful. She also founded and developed the Lima OSU honors program. She spent a year at Yale University on a National Scholars fellowship.

She loved to travel both at home and abroad and to attend to her special garden. She was a member of the "Fern Garden Club" and served a term as vice-president.

Rites are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, at Miller Funeral Home, west chapel, St. Marys, Pastor Jon Kraner, officiating. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys.

Calling is 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to www.millefuneralhomes.net.