Shirley A Kiger

Born on August 19, 1935, in Oberlin, Ohio, Shirley grew up with a deep appreciation for learning and family. She graduated from Elyria High School before continuing her education at Miami University, where she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. There, she met and married Robert C. Kiger, a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, becoming what is affectionately known as “Miami Mergers”. They moved to Columbus where he attended law school and was an attorney. Her passion for education led her to become a first-grade teacher. Soon, they started a family and she became a full-time mother devoted to raising their three children in Upper Arlington. Later in life, she brought her organizational skills, impeccable sense of style and love of the performing arts to managerial roles at The China Cat and The Ohio Theater Gift Shop.

Always young at heart, Shirley had a sharp wit and a clever sense of humor that endeared her to those around her. She was warm and loving, always fostering meaningful connections with friends of all ages. She was like a “second mom” to her niece and many of her children’s friends. She created a welcoming home filled with treasures she collected throughout her life. Her independent spirit and zest for life were matched by her insatiable curiosity that kept her engaged with the world around her. She had many interests that enriched her life, including a love of politics, the performing arts, home decorating and gardening. She had fond memories of her favorite travels to London, where her son David was a Parliamentary intern, and later to Paris. A woman of faith, she was a longstanding member of the First Community Church.

Shirley is survived by her children, Lisa Altree (Tim), David Kiger and James Kiger; grandson, Corey Collins (Alicia); niece and nephew, Julie Claycomb and Jack Claycomb; and great nieces and nephews. She was a beloved mother to her children, a cherished “Mimi” to her only grandson and an adored aunt and mother-in-law. She was preceded in death by Robert C. Kiger; parents, Emma and John Hovis; sister, Susan Blake (Hovis); and nephew James Claycomb.

She will be interred at Union Cemetery and a Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. As an enthusiast of classic literature, she loved the following poem by Emily Dickenson that beautifully reflects her spiritual beliefs.

“And if I go, while you’re still here…Know that I live on, vibrating to a different measure behind a thin veil you cannot see through. You will not see me, so you must have faith. I wait for the time when we can soar together again, both aware of each other. Until then, live your life to the fullest and when you need me, just whisper my name in your heart…I will be there.”