Shirley Harter

Shirley A. Harter, 83, of Van Wert, went to be with the Lord on March 21, 2016, at the Van Wert Inpatient Hospice, Van Wert, Ohio. She married Dale G. Harter on Feb. 20, 1952, in Ridge Township. He preceded her in death on Sept. 4, 1998. She is survived by son, Stephen D. Harter of Van Wert; daughter, Diann Scott (Philip) of Van Wert; granchildren, Abby L. Sutton-Burger (Corey) of Powell, Ohio, Stephanie A. Harter of Van Wert, and Ryne C. Sutton (Kylee) of Van Wert; seven great-grandchildren: Zayden R.D. Harter (age 7), Alizabeth Ann Harter (age 7), Roewen Colby Sutton (age 6), Axeton Diesel Sutton (age 2), Hartler Dually Sutton (age 2 weeks), Bo Davies Burger (age 1), and Remi Adelle Burger (age 4 months).

Other survivors include Max Harter, brother-in-law, Van Wert, and sister, Mary Louise Voltz of Frankfort, Indiana.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Phyllis Wuttke, Lois Jean Davies, and Marion Moorman, one nephew, Danny Voltz, and two brothers-in-law, Bob Voltz and Paul Wuttke.

Shirely's life can be summed up in one word - giver. She unselfishly gave of herself and her love to all with who she came in contact. Making a stranger comfortable with a smile and warm hello. She made friends instantly and usually for life. To her family, she gave unconditional love. Christian discipline and the wisdom that comes only from living the truth of God's plan.

She was born on Aug. 28, 1932, to J. Herbert and Bernice Ringwald Davies, of Ridge Township. Shirley was the fourth of five daughters and was raised in Van Wert. This was a family where kindness and encouragement, positive thinking and looking for the best in everyone were character traits to be valued and nurtured. Shirley and her sisters learned them well. Growing up as part of a large, close-knit family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, within a larger, supportive, farming community, taught her the importance of family and the need for community involvement. The most important lessons, though, were those related to the ever present Christian faith.

Shirley loved raising garden and flowers of which she shared with others. She also loved the piano and music of her heritage, Welsh. She also enjoyed her church quilting group and keeping in touch through cards with family and friends. Her greatest joy was taking care of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was a graduate of Ridge High School, worked for Central Insurance Company and retired after 25 years from the Van Wert County Courthouse. She was a member of the Van Wert Presbyterian Church, member of the Chancel Choir, Priscilla Circle, Women's Association of which she was past moderator, Sunday school teacher for many years, Twig III member of 40 years, and buyer and gift case treasurer at the Van Wert County Hospital.

She was also a member of the Republican Club, Historical Society, YWCA, Member Clerk and Trustee Association, Farm Bureau Member, P.E.R.S. Retirement Association, past tutor of Horace Mann School, 4-H Volunteer, and Christian Counsel Co-Chairman.

Services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, March 25 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home. The Rev. Harold (Hal) Shafer will officiate. Burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery.

Visitation is 2 - 8 p.m. Thursday, March 24 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home.

Preferred memorials directed to Van Wert First Presbyterian Church.