Shirley A. Harter

Shirley A. Harter, 83, of Van Wert, went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 21, 2016, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

She married Dale G. Harter on February 20, 1952, in Ridge Township, and he preceded her in death on September 4, 1998. She is survived by a son, Stephen D. Harter of Van Wert; one daughter, Diann (Phillip) Scott of Van Wert; three grandchildren, Abby L. (Corey) Sutton-Burger of Powell, and Stephanie A. Harter, and Ryne C. (Kylee) Sutton, both of Van Wert; seven great-grandchildren, Zayden R.D. Harter (7), Alizabeth Ann Harter (7), Roewen Colby Sutton (6), Axeton Diesel Sutton (2), Hartler Dually Sutton (2 weeks); Bo Davies Burger (1), and Remi Adelle Burger (4 months).

Other survivors include a brother-in-law, Max Harter; and one 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.

Shirley’s life can be summed up in one word: giver. She unselfishly gave of herself and her love to all with whom 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 August 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 growing gardens and flowers, which she shared with others. She also loved the piano and music of her Welsh heritage, 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 First Presbyterian Church in Van Wert, and a member of its Chancel Choir, Priscilla Circle, and Women’s Association (of which she was a past moderator), and was a Sunday school teacher for many years.

She was a Twig III member for 40 years and buyer and gift case treasurer at Van Wert County Hospital. She was also a member of the Van Wert County Republican Club, County Historical Society, YWCA, a member of the Clerks and Trustees Association, a County Farm Bureau member, belonged to the PERS Retirement Association, was a past tutor at the former Horace Mann Elementary School, a 4-H volunteer, and Christian Council co-chair.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 25, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, with the Rev. Harold “Hal” Shafer officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, March 24, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: First Presbyterian Church.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.