Shirley Rinehart

Shirley Nanette Rinehart, 82, of Galion, died Friday, November 14, 2008 at her home. Born April 3, 1926 in Murfreesboro, Illinois, she was the daughter of Leroy and Grace Jones Harris. Shirley was a member of Ontario United Methodist Church since her baptism at age 16. She was actively involved in the family dairy farm and was an avid flower gardener. While her children were young, Shirley was a 4-H leader. She taught adult Sunday School classes and was active with the church youth and confirmation classes, planning and participating in multiple youth work camps. Shirley was a Lay Representative to the East Ohio United Methodist Church annual conference and was actively involved with the church's Mansfield District Newsletter. At one time, she wrote weekly columns concerning social justice issues for the Ontario Tribune. A strong supporter of Habitat for Humanity, Heifer International, Mennonite Central Committee, and Hospice, Shirley also served as Clerk of Sandusky Township for many years. She was a life-long writer of devotional articles, and had several articles published in "Alive Now", a United Methodist devotional. Shirley enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by one son, Ken Barb Schmidt-Rinehart Rinehart of Ashland; two daughters, Kathy Tim Strunk of Galion, and Karen Van Zile of Wooster; grandchildren, Tim Lindsay Rinehart of Bay Village, Mark Laurie Rinehart of Cape Coral, Florida, Rebecca Patrick Beck of Denver, Colorado, Jonathan Strunk of Toledo, Jesse Strunk of Galion, Benjamin Tiffany Rehard Van Zile of Wooster, and Sarah Chadd Oswalt of Ft. Campbell, Kentucky; great-grandchildren, Jay and Caleb Rinehart of Bay Village, Samantha and Eva Beck of Denver, Colorado, and Cody Oswalt of Ft. Campbell, Kentucky; brother, Don Sharon Harris of Mansfield; sister, Ruth Eldon Griffeth of Blanchester; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Rinehart; her parents; brother, Robert Harris; and son-in-law, Michael Van Zile.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, November 17, 2008 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Mansfield, Ohio 44906. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Ontario United Methodist Church, 3540 Park Ave. West, Mansfield, Ohio 44906 conducted by Rev. David Case, Jr. Burial will be held in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Ontario United Methodist Church.