Shirley J. (Bartels) Greathouse

Shirley Greathouse, 90, passed away on September 9, 2023.  She was born on August 24, 1933, in Clinton, Iowa to the late John and Bernice Bartels.  After graduating from Clinton High School in 1952 she married her first husband, David, and began working in the office of Pillsbury Mills while David went to serve with the Air Force in Korea.  Upon his return from Korea, she continued to work while he attended school.  They ultimately settled in Akron in 1965. 

In the spring of 1965, they adopted their daughter, Shelley.  A year later, they expanded their family by adopting Brent.  Shirley was a proud mother and homemaker who prioritized her family.  The kids attended Manchester Public Schools and St. Vincent St. Mary High School. 

Shirley became active with local bridge clubs and community events.  She enjoyed hosting friends and children for dinner parties, holiday parties, and especially the annual Halloween party.  She received so much joy having neighborhood kids for the treasure hunt, the homemade haunted house that was deemed “Horrible Hall” followed by trick or treat and a bonfire.

She never turned down the opportunity to spend time with her kids or her friends.  She laughed often and was always a joy to be around.  She and the kids traveled to Clinton Iowa every year to visit family while David worked.  She always felt it important that the kids stay connected to relatives.  Even after David passed away in 1992, she continued visiting family in Clinton often and even traveled to California to visit Brent. 

After she married her second husband, Bob in 1998, her travel adventures blossomed.  They traveled extensively to Alaska, South Carolina, Vermont, New Orleans, New York and California.  As her mobility decreased, she and Bob’s travels were limited to local attractions such as Amish Country and drives to Hudson.  They enjoyed local concerts and plays and a good dinner out on the town. 

Besides her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her first husband, David Johnson; brothers, Richard and Gary Bartels; sisters, Joyce Schaeffer and Sharon Haggard; stepsons, Kevin and Bobby Greathouse.  She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Greathouse; children, Brent (Barbara) Johnson and Shelley Taray; stepchildren, Timothy (Karen), Patrick (Michelle) and Hugh (Ann) Greathouse, Mary Ellen (Rick) Batyko and Jane (Christopher) Rotsching; 3 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Schermesser Funeral Home, 600 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, Ohio 44319.  Family and friends may call on Friday from 11 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.  Interment will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park.  To leave a special message for the family, visit our website  www.schermesserfh.com.

SCHERMESSER
(330) 899-9107
www.schermesserfh.com

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