Shirley Jean Woodyard

Shirley Jean Woodyard, 84, of Van Wert, passed away at 9:48 a.m. Monday, February 17, 2020, at Lima Memorial Hospital.

She was born March 23, 1935, in Van Wert, the daughter of Walton “Toots” Benford and Florence Amanda (Cross) Pisel, who both preceded her in death. 

Shirley was a beloved teacher at Lincolnview Local Schools, retiring after 32 years of service.

She was also a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Van Wert.

Surviving are her three children, Cathy (Diana) Woodyard of Houston, Texas, Jay (Cicely) Woodyard of Van Wert, and Mathew (Carla) Woodyard of Winnie, Texas; a granddaughter, Mandy (Matt) Ecenbarger of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Lori Young of Fort Wayne and Kathy Sprunger of Houston, Texas, who were both beloved as a daughter; and all the Cross relatives that she cherished.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, February 20, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Van Wert, with the Rev. Janine Shearer officiating. Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 19, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the church.

Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.