Shirlie I. Ewing

CUYAHOGA FALLS - Shirlie I. Ewing, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister passed away peacefully on January 24^th at the age of 90, surrounded by her family. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, and unwavering love that will be cherished by all who knew her. To many that did, she was simply “Grandma Shirlie.”
           Shirlie was born on August 21, 1933 to Chester William Barker and Gladys May Barker Vocar (nee Griminger) in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Her family moved to Stow, OH where she grew up and attended school, graduating from Stow High School in 1952 as a class officer and member of the Student Council. She went on to spend the rest of her life in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, in the same house for 65 years where she raised 6 children, in a home where everyone was welcome, where she attended church one block away, and where she became the matriarch of the neighborhood. 
             She fostered a large, extended community as an active member of The United Presbyterian Church for many years, and was dedicated and strong in her faith. She enjoyed participating in Bible study, organizing game nights, volunteering for various committees, and teaching Bible school. Her involvement in the community extended to being a Cub Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout Leader, March of Dimes volunteer, and organizer of class reunions and of family reunions. She was an avid square dancer with Western Whirlers, belonged to the Ostomy Club, worked for many years and retired from Youngfellow Drug, and was a collector extraordinaire of plastic bottle caps for Preston Elementary School, where they are used for art projects by students.

              Shirlie was a strong advocate for social causes, and very often contacted state representatives to prompt action, encouraging others to do so as well. You could often see signs in her front yard demonstrating her commitment to issues important to her, including women’s rights, voting rights, gun control and world peace. She was known for her generous spirit and her passion for playing games and cards such as Cribbage, Spoons, Uno, Monopoly Deal, Speed Scrabble (a.k.a Bananagrams), especially Euchre, and encouraged anyone around to join in. She played often with family and friends, where her competitive nature and quick wit always made for memorable times filled with laughter and fun. 
               Shirlie was preceded in death by her former husband, Raymond Walter Ewing Jr., and her siblings Florence A. Brumit, Charles R. Barker and Theodore (Ted) L. Barker. She is survived by her 6 children who loved her dearly; Gary D. Ewing (Melanie Neff) of Stow, OH, Eric E. Ewing (Vicki) of Sierra Madre, CA, Dana L. Ewing of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, Alan C. Ewing (Beverly) of Keller, TX, Lisa A. Ewing (Chad Griffin) of Seattle, WA, Mona M. E. Atfield (Clay) of Lakewood, OH; 16 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, her loving sister Carol Louise Miller (Tim) of Carrolton, OH, and many more dear friends and family.
                Shirlie was well loved and highly regarded for her honesty and wisdom. Her impact was far reaching, as demonstrated by her 90^th birthday party last August with over 160 family members and friends in attendance. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. 

“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – Winnie the Pooh

A memorial service will be held at The United Presbyterian Church, 2819 Hudson Dr, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221, at 10:00 am on Saturday February 17, 2024. Lunch will be provided by her church family, immediately following the service, in the Fellowship Hall. A burial service will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery for immediate family only at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Falls Cancer Club, P.O. Box 3244, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223.