Shirley Ann (Hobert) Baumgartner

In Loving Memory of Shirley Ann Baumgartner

Shirley Ann Baumgartner, a woman of immense love, faith, and healing passed away at the age of 89, surrounded by her family who adored her deeply. She departed this world on July 24, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the hearts and spirits of all who knew her.

She was born on February 24, 1934, in Massillon, Ohio to Ed and Helen Hobert. Shirley was raised in a family that instilled in her the values of love, compassion, and unwavering faith in her Roman Catholic beliefs. She graduated from Central Catholic High School, Class of 1952. Throughout her life, she held fast to her religious convictions, finding strength and comfort in her lifelong spiritual journey.

Shirley married Joseph Baumgartner on October 8, 1955. They felt as if they knew each other the moment they met and dated for three years. Their journey as parents was filled with joy and love for their two sons, Tim, and Tom. Tragically, Tim's life ended too soon, leaving an immeasurable void in Shirley's heart.

A compassionate and dedicated young woman, Shirley's caring nature led her to be licensed as a Registered Nurse. Shirley attended the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1955. Her gentle touch and comforting presence brought solace to countless individuals, including orthopedic and hospice patients during their most challenging moments. She also organized health fairs and blood donation drives at St. Clement Church, in addition to volunteering with Joe at the local American Red Cross Donation site and Bloodmobiles in Massillon. Without question, Shirley left an indelible mark on her patients and their family's lives.  

Beyond her professional life, Shirley was a member of the St. Clement Church and served a term on the Parish Council. At one time, she chaired five different church committees in her parish. Shirley had a deep sense of pride in her various hobbies and volunteer pursuits. She was involved in her parish’s Prayer Chain for decades and coordinated the Chain at one point. She was an avid reader, and books were her gateway to exciting new worlds and perspectives. She treasured quiet moments with a book in hand, often sharing her favorite books and magazines with her friends and family, and sparking the joy of reading in the minds of her loved ones.

Traveling was another passion that enriched Shirley's life. Exploring new places and creating adored memories with her family during trips brought her contentment. Whether it was on a grand cruise ship adventure or a simple Amish Country day trip, she cherished each journey with the love of her life, Joe, and their two children, Tim and Tom.

Shirley and Joe shared an exceptional bond, and together they built a new home filled with love, warmth, and priceless memories. Shirley's hands were a canvas for creativity, and she embraced all types of art with enthusiasm. Her talents created unique creations that adorned her home and were priceless gifts given to family, friends, and parishioners. Her love of crafts inspired many, and her artistic spirit lives on through the pieces she lovingly created. Some of her most treasured artistry pieces were to her four grandchildren, with each receiving a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted baby quilt. Shirley created lap robes for shut-in Church parishioners and the new residents to area nursing homes. She also assembled countless rosaries and they were shared locally and at one time, 500 of her rosaries were shipped to a convent in India. True to her inventive nature, she also collected thousands of donated birthday and Christmas cards and designed bookmarks for fellow parishioners and Massillon library patrons.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband Joe; her son Tom (spouse, Cindy) Baumgartner of Westerville, Ohio; her grandchildren Emily Baumgartner of Berlin, Germany; Kathryn (spouse, Eric) Socrates of Montgomery, Ohio; Andrew (spouse, Emmi Skeans) Baumgartner of Portland, Oregon; and Gregory Baumgartner of Taipei, Taiwan; her great-grandchildren Theo Socrates, Elena Socrates, and Miles Socrates all of Montgomery, Ohio; her sister Beverly (spouse, Larry) Shertzer of Massillon Ohio; her nieces Sharon (spouse, Dave) Turkall of Massillon, Ohio; Shelley Shertzer Grabill of Massillon Ohio; Sherry (spouse, Scott) Johnson of Massillon, Ohio; and Shanna Shertzer of Massillon, Ohio; her nephew Shawn (spouse, Susie) Shertzer of Massillon, Ohio. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Ed and Helen Hobert and son Timothy, all of Massillon, Ohio.

Shirley's life was one of love of family, healing, and serving others. Her legacy of faith, compassion, and creativity will continue to inspire and guide her family and friends in the years to come.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 31 at Holy Family Parish in Navarre, at 11 AM with Rev. Kevin Peters celebrant. The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM at the church prior to the service. Burial to follow at St. Clement Cemetery in Navarre.  Heitger Funeral Services is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the “Matthew 25: Ministries” (https://m25m.org/), an organization that aligns with Shirley's core values and beliefs.

May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her memory forever live on in the hearts of all whose lives she touched.

"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13

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