Shirley Denka

Denka, Shirley E., age 85, passed away Sunday, March 4, at Brookdale Place in Oakwood, Ohio surrounded by her children. We are forever grateful to the nurses and staff at Brookdale Place and at The Hospice of Dayton for their impeccable care and their true caring attention to our mother during her stay at Brookdale. We are also grateful for all the care and support from all of Shirley’s good friends. Shirley was born in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1926 and was preceded in death by her parents Arnold and Vera, her sister Dorothy, and her husband of 42 years, George. She is survived by 3 sons and daughters-in-law Mike and Vicki of Clinton, Washington, David and Pam of Dayton, Ohio, Andy and Lynn of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, daughter and son-in-law Kathy and Mark Oiness of Las Vegas, Nevada, grandchildren Matthew, Kate, Kara, Kacey Oiness and Zachary, Rachel, Natalie, Eva, Sara, Andrea and Sam Denka, and great grand-child Ellie Oiness. In her early youth, Shirley pursued a career as a legal secretary in Kansas City, Missouri. It was there that she met George Denka who was attending medical school at the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine. Upon his graduation they moved to Dayton, Ohio where George served his internship at Grandview Hospital for Sunday suppers and gas money while Shirley paid the bills as a legal secretary. Upon George’s completion of his internship and his entry into private practice, Shirley turned her attention into becoming the consummate Wife and Mother. As was the case in every role that Shirley filled, she was tireless, ever patient and passionately devoted to her husband and to their growing family. As the children matured into adulthood, Shirley gradually turned some of her attentions to other worthy activities. She spent many years volunteering her time to serve the Auxiliary to the Dayton District Academy of Osteopathic Medicine. She served as president to that organization from 1967 to 1968. She also volunteered her time to the Shawn Acres Orphanage of Dayton, Ohio. Shirley was an incredibly strong woman in a tiny frame. A loyal friend, a sympathetic confidant, a loving wife, a caring, affectionate mother and a faithful friend who will be terribly missed by all who were privileged to know her. Services will be held at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 5520 Far Hills Avenue on Saturday, March 10, at 4:00 p.m. Donations may be made in Shirley’s name to Alzheimer’s Association(www.aiz.org) or to Hospice of Dayton(www.crossroadshospice.com) Arrangements in care of Tobias Funeral Home-Far Hills Chapel. On line condolences may sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com