Shirley A. (VanderHorst) Simon, age 85, of Elm Street, Fort Loramie, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Tuesday evening, September 13, 2016, at Hospice of Miami County in Troy, Ohio.

She was born June 26, 1931, in Celina, Ohio, to the late Herbert and Ruth (Desch) VanderHorst. On May 31, 1952, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Celina, Shirley married Richard "Dick" J. Simon who preceded her in death on January 2, 2010.

Surviving are five children and their spouses: Juli Simon of Fort Loramie, Karen & Tony Wendeln of Piqua, Rick V. Simon of Cincinnati, Keith Simon of Fort Loramie and Connie & Doug Woodruff of Athens; four grandchildren: Michael (Kendra) Wendeln, David (Jenni) Wendeln, Kelly (Ryan) Denney and Matthew Simon; three great-grandchildren: Simon and Anna Denney, and Tommy Wendeln; one brother-in-law, Albert Schmitz of Dayton, a sister-in-law, Jeanne Simon of Versailles as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by three siblings: Norma Schmitz, Don & Bernice VanderHorst, Marilyn & Paul Monroe and sisters & brothers-in-law: Helen & Vince Muzleski, Doris & Ed Kowaleski, Kathleen Simon, Robert & Mary Ellen Simon, John "JP" Simon and Mary Jane & Bob Magoto.

Shirley was a 1949 graduate of Immaculate Conception High School in Celina. She had been a part-time bookkeeper throughout her marriage at the Willowdell Sales Company, her late husband's family's business.

She was a warm and loving person and the center of her family. She was always ready to welcome new members into her circle, whether it was a care giver in the hospital or nursing home, a new fiance or spouse in the extended family, or a member of one of her card clubs. Her love of people also found expression in service to her community.

In 1970 she was elected to the board of education of the Fort Loramie Local School district, the first woman elected to a local school board in Shelby County. She served for twelve years and took pride in the many positive changes that took place during her term, especially the completion of the high school building in 1980.

She was a founding member of G.Y.M. Inc. and worked with the Fort Loramie Band Mothers, Athletic Boosters and P.T.A. She volunteered as a reading tutor with elementary school children and helped raise $30,000 with the Box Tops for Education program for the Fort Loramie Schools.

She was a member of American Legion Auxiliary Post 355, holding various offices over the years, organizing canteen workers for the Community Blood Center blood drives.

Beyond Fort Loramie, she served on the Tri-County Board of Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Services for 8 years, and she was a volunteer in patient services for Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in St. Marys.

Shirley was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church. She lived actively by her faith serving as a Eucharistic Minister, greeter and choir member for many years. She also taught C.C.D. for over 45 years.

She enjoyed feeding her family, traveling, playing cards and cheering for her favorite teams - the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Cincinnati Reds and the Fort Loramie Redskins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Monday, September 19, 2016, at St. Michael Church in Fort Loramie with Rev. Steven Shoup presiding. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery.

Friends may call Sunday 2:00 to 7:00 PM and Monday 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie.

Memorials may be made to the Richard & Shirley Simon Memorial Scholarship (FLEF) or the Fort Loramie Rescue Squad.

Private condolences may be expressed at www.gehretfuneralhome.com.