Shirley Ann Arick

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, David Arick; her son, Mark Adams; her parents, James E. Hedrick Sr. and Helen Hedrick; and her brother, James E. Hedrick Jr.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Andrea (Sean) Shields; her grandsons, Nicholas Young, Aidan Young, and Cullen (Leah) Shields; her granddaughters, Katlynn Adams, Lily Young, and Kailey (Trevon) Thompson; and her great-grandson, Zayden Adams. She is also survived by her nieces, Shelia (Jeff) Runkle and Angela (Steve) Sherrick.

Shirley always loved to entertain. As a young girl, her grandmother owned a grocery store, and Shirley would stand on a milk crate outside the store and sing to attract customers in exchange for penny candy. She graduated from Darby Township High School in Derby, Ohio, in 1959, where she was a member of a girls’ singing group called the Girls Sextet.

Her joy and talent for singing continued into adulthood. She auditioned for and became a member of the Columbus Symphony Chorus, leaving her with fond memories of performing Handel’s Messiah. She also participated in church choirs and sang with her father’s country band whenever she had the chance.

In her 20s, Shirley enjoyed roller skating and spent many evenings hanging out at the Roller Rink in Grove City, where she was known by the nickname “Whitey” because of her pearly white skates. She worked for 13 years at Columbus Plastics as a keypunch operator, along with performing other clerical duties.

Her husband, David, was a ballroom dance instructor, and Shirley danced alongside him with impressive skill. Together, they showcased their talents at many family weddings and events.

For much of her life, however, Shirley was a caregiver. She cared for young children before and after school while her own children were growing up. She also cared for her grandchildren in their early years, making it possible for her daughter to achieve her academic and professional goals. In her later years, she served as a caregiver for her parents, her husband, and the family’s dear friend, Charles Karns.

Many years after the death of her husband, Shirley found love again with a very special gentleman named Ronald Deoring. Although their time together was relatively short, it was filled with joy and happiness for Shirley.

In addition to being a caregiver, Shirley was simply a giver at heart and a friend to all. She found joy in giving to others and had a generous spirit that extended to everyone she met. Whether family, friends, or strangers, Shirley had a way of making people feel welcome, cared for, and loved. Her kindness knew no bounds, and she touched the lives of so many through her giving heart and genuine love for others.

Shirley was a devoted mother and the number-one cheerleader for her children and grandchildren. She made sure everyone knew about their successes, taking great pride in their accomplishments and always expressing excitement when sharing news about each of them.

Shirley could be a force to be reckoned with. She was larger than life, with a laugh and a voice that could fill a room and a heart of gold. She will be terribly missed and forever in our hearts.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at StoryPoint Grove City for taking such good care of Shirley and showing her love when her daughter could not be there. Special thanks also go to her Visiting Angel, Amy, whom Shirley adored.

Additionally, a very special thank-you goes to Lee Schreiner, who, for the past year and a half, out of the kindness of his heart, made sure Shirley was looked after while she lived in the memory care unit. From making her daily coffee and bringing her special treats to walking her back to her room when she was feeling a little unsteady, Lee was truly heaven-sent. Shirley’s family will never forget his kindness.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 25, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., and again on Monday, October 26, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Schoedinger Grove City. A funeral service will follow on Monday, October 26, at 11:00 a.m., with interment to follow at Grove City Cemetery West.

If you knew Shirley, you knew she loved cats. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cat Welfare or Colony Cats, organizations she had worked with in the past to help create safer environments for feral cats in the area.

To view the full obituary, find service details, or leave a special memory, please visit www.schoedinger.com.