“Waste not, Want not” and “A penny saved is a penny earned” were two of Shirley Royer’s favorite sayings, and she meant it! In fact, if she knew what it cost to put this obituary in the newspaper she wouldn't allow us to publish it… lol. Actually, she did make it clear that she wanted all and I mean all of her family noted in her obituary. Why? Well that's because she loved them all and was proud of each and every one of them; and like a good grandma, bragging rights of their accomplishments and cute photos were the trump card in any conversation. So let's get down to the legacy of Shirley Royer, born a child of the depression into a poor family on August 30, 1929 her parents & siblings had few things and made do with very little. Shirley remembered well these things and told many stories including the unconscionable sharing of bath water as a child… yuck! Her parents constantly moved in search of work and opportunities, which forced Shirley to change schools close to a dozen times.
She finally finished high school in Markleville, IN, and soon after married Mort McShirley and gave birth to Theresa and Marla. As a young mother she learned the resourcefulness of living on a farm, and after a short marriage the challenges of being a single mother. In 1973 she fell in love & married her confidant, friend, & partner Joseph Royer. For 47 years they enjoyed the expansion of their families, and as promised that list is on its way. Shirley became a center figure and rock to her family members. She used her lifelong experiences to help so many, whether it was financially or just with a simple dose of unbashful opinion. Shirley was an artist, musician, and a seamstress, but one thing she wasn’t was a cook… Just ask the family about “The Meatloaf.”
It seems her calling in life was to worry about those around her. If she didn’t hear from you or thought something was wrong she would go to extraordinary lengths to locate you. Sometimes to a degree that would make Perry Mason throw in the towel, for those of you too young to know who he was, “Google it.”
All joking aside, Shirley was a spectacular graceful lady. She was always so put together with a snappy outfit, perfect hair and make-up, nails done just right and wow how she lit up a room. She had an endless supply of warm hugs and I love yous. Her faith in God and final destination were certainly no secrets. Now that she's left this earthly world, there's no doubt that she's gone from rags to the greatest of all riches. Just imagine her there at the pearly gates shining like never before, arms wide open, persistently waiting for each of her loved ones to arrive; and looking forward to our united eternal life in heaven.
Shirley Royer was preceded in death by her parents Zoah & Wilfred Pritchard, brother Larry Pritchard, sister Louis Peters, and daughter Theresa (Bob) Hawkins.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Joseph P. Royer; three children, Marla (Bruce) Stanley, Marsha (Mike) Somerville, Joe (Margo) Royer; grandchildren, Adrienne (Keith) Wildman, Jeff (Lynnette) Boone, Rob (Christina) Prewett, Chris Stinnett, Brian Hartley, Seth Stanley, Saul Stanley, Melissa (Chris) Jaggers, Brady (Heather) Somerville, Tim (Kristen) Somerville, Natalie Royer, Hillary (Joel Novak), Josh Royer; great-grandchildren, Savannah & Montannah Prewett, Mady Hicks, Angela Smith, Mackenzie (Caleb) Cleek, Gunner Boone, Whitney, Kelsey, and Jack Wildman, Hunter Stinnett, Peyton, Silas, Lucas, and Shea Stanley Riley and Harper Jaggers, Ani Compton, James, Reuben, Owen, Parker, and Nash Somerville, Gage, Isaac, and Crew Farmer, Camden and Kendall Novak; great-great grandchild, Scarlett Amos.
A private funeral service will be held for her family with burial in East Maplewood Cemetery.
Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service was in charge of funeral arrangements.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.