Mrs.Shirley was my 6th grade English teacher. I remember hearing about her passing and I was just shocked. She was so kind to all of her students, she'd make you laugh till you cry. She always brought a smile to each and everyone's face. She would suggest me books, now all my favorite. Every time I go to find a new book, I always wish I could ask her for a recommendation. She was such a bright, and kind person. She was always there for all of her students, she always talked about her wonderful family. And how much she just loves them, she shared so many story's. With all of us, all of her students adored her. She was a very strong woman.

I an absolutely stunned to learn about this. My heart breaks for Hilda’s family. We lived just a couple of blocks away from each other and went to middle & high school together. She was the sweetest and smartest gal not to mention a Tar Heel! This is so shocking considering Big Oz just pass away a few years ago. Sending love and prayers to Miss Hilda, Bill, her husband, children and all that had the pleasure of knowing her. 

Early in my new position as Muse Machine Executive Director, I quickly got to know Hilda. Every interaction was fun and our love of teachers and teaching created a strong bond with one another immediately. What I understood very quickly was that she was an amazing teacher and a powerful model of compassionate, creative and informed teaching. She was a teachers' teacher, if you will. Over 40 years, I have worked at the state and local level with thousands of teachers and Hilda was one of the finest teachers I have ever known. 

I also love how she often brought her mother to Muse professional development sessions. She was so kind to everyone she worked with and I will hold her dearly in my heart for the end of my days. 
As many of our Muse teachers understand, she was an integral part of the Muse family. 

She also was a terrific mother and she loved and nurtured her children in all the best ways. Following her on Facebook was a gift. RIP Hilda your life and example was a gift to us all.

 THANK YOU! 

“Measured in love” she made a difference in the student and teacher community of Muse Machine. Praying for peace for her loved ones. 
Tara Knopp-Ashworth 

I met Hilda when I had the privilege to be one of Derrick and Gavin’s preschool teachers. Hilda’s life was those boys and you could tell through them who she was. Thank you Hilda for being a great mom. I watch those boys grow up to be great men because of you.  Prayers to you all. 
PS. Thanks Hilda for the tootsie rolls.  Fly high my friend and we see each other again. 💕

The impact that Mrs. Shirley left on my son is immeasurable.  She recognized when he needed an ear to listen, a hug to comfort, or  guidance.  She cared beyond what we expect from a teacher and molded students with her compassion, humor, enthusiasm and special brand of caring.  My son, and I suspect all her students, are better people for having her in their lives.  What a great loss to the students, to Beavercreek and to the world...Our thoughts, our prayers are yours.
Jill Martin

I LOVED Mrs. Shirley. She made my 7th grade year at Ferguson as we created the drama club together, and she was just a blast. She truly cared about her students and always made things fun. This is a big loss for the community of Beavercreek. She is deeply admired, adored, and will be severely missed. Sending all of my love. 

Hilda you were the best!!! You will be truly missed. Pat Bohl  (Amy Cobb’s Mom)

I appreciated her  for being such a supportive parent and for allowing her boys to remember me on important holidays and school events.  It is a testament to her parenting that they are thoughtful and kind.

Mr. Shirley
So sorry for your loss, you and your boys are in my thoughts and prayers

Kelli Fleckenstein (XHS)  

I don’t know that I can put into words how much my friendship with you meant to me, but I will try. I honestly didn’t know what a true friend was until I met Hilda. She loved me for who I was and taught me to be proud of who I was. If I needed a friend in my middle of the night she was the one that would be there for me. Although our lives took us farther away from each other than we would have liked every time we talked or got together it was if no time had went by. 

I always imagined after we had raised our children and we had more time again we would be like those old ladies on the greeting cards sitting on the bench just laughing and having a grand old time.

 I will miss you so much my dear friend and I still can’t believe you are gone. You will remain forever in my heart ❤️ 

We loved you like family & life here without you will never be the same.💜 You were a great friend, mother, wife, teacher, and one of the kindest people we have known. 
Until we see you again….💜
-The Hands

Justin I am sorry for your loss. HJ was a wonderful person.  You and the boys will be in my continued prayers and thoughts. 

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”
—Helen Keller
Blessed to know you and have called you friend. I will cherish the memories I have of you. 
Praying for your family and friends.


OBITUARY

Hilda Jean Shirley

30 July, 1977 – 10 January, 2022

Tobias Funeral Home - Beavercreek Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services