Shirley was born in Hamilton on January 17, 1935 to Ralph and Laura (Kehr) Brate. She graduated valedictorian from Union Township High School and later attended Butler-Hamilton Business College. On May 31, 1958, Shirley married Charles Kaelin at Zion Lutheran Church in Hamilton. She worked for Champion Paper Company as a secretary, before becoming a homemaker. Shirley was baptized, confirmed, and a lifelong member at Zion Lutheran Church, where she was active as a Sunday School teacher, Church Council member, and Messenger editor. A special passion at church was the Mission Sewing group, where she made innumerable quilts for Lutheran World Relief. In her spare time, Shirley took home many prizes for her canning from the Butler County Fair. She was also talented at crafting, quilting, and crocheting, and is remembered for her homemade gifts. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her beloved family and friends and she will be remembered for her sweet, simple, and loving demeanor that won over the hearts of everyone she touched. Shirley is survived by her husband Charles, of 60 years; sons Gary (Robin) Kaelin and Neil (Sheila) Kaelin; grandchildren Lisa (Doug) Drozdowicz and Nathaniel Kaelin; great grandchildren Charlie, Ella, and Lillian; siblings Patricia (Ken) Burger, Arthur (Annelle) Brate, and David (Connie) Brate; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 26, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the Webb Noonan Kidd Funeral Home. Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 10am at the Zion Lutheran Church, 212 S. Front St., Hamilton, Ohio 45011, with Pastor Joe Schrock officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Zion Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.
