Shirley M. Rinehimer, 89, of Salem Township passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Berwick Hospital Center, with her children by her side.
Born in Slocum Township on April 7, 1928, she was a daughter of the late Claude and Mary E (Deets) Hontz. She graduated from Newport Township High School, where she was the class Valedictorian. Following World War II, she married Donald Rinehimer and together they founded and operated Riverview Block Co., in which she was involved until the time of her passing.
Her church was of the utmost importance. As a child she attended Slocum UM Church and upon moving to Berwick, she attended Stone UM Church. It was here in Berwick where she became involved with 4-H Clubs from sewing to showing beef cattle. She and her husband were known for their stagecoach and pony rides at area carnivals and festivals.
Shirley looked forward to spring and seeing teams of Percheron and Belgiums plowing her garden. She could be heard saying, “If we can get through March, we’ll be alright.” She loved working in the garden, picking and shelling beans and canning what she reaped. She enjoyed working in her flowers and watching birds at the feeder, while keeping an eye out for deer and bear.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald in 1984.
Shirley was a devoted mother and will be greatly missed by her four children: Fay Shields and husband David; Patsy Hill and husband Roger; Thomas Rinehimer and wife Kathy; Randy Rinehimer and wife Mollie, all of Berwick. She took great pride in the accomplishments of her eight grandchildren: Cheryl Masters, Brian Hill, Amy Knowles, Thomas Rinehimer, Jr., Elyse Newburgh, Kelsey Rinehimer, Allison Rinehimer, and Donald Rinehimer. She was equally proud of her six great-grandchildren ranging from ages 17 to 2-months. Shirley is survived by a sister, Barbara Varker and husband Gerald of St. Charles, MO. She also leaves behind four treasured nieces, all of MO, and four nephews, locally.
Shirley was a great lady who will be missed by her family and multitude of friends. Family will receive friends on Sunday, March 25, 2018 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Heller Funeral Home, LLC, 633 East Third Street, Nescopeck.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 26, 2018 at Stone UM Church, 300 Stone Church Rd., Berwick with her pastor, Reverend Bob Rice officiating. Interment will follow in Slocum Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Stone United Methodist Church, 300 Stone Church Road, Berwick, PA 18603.
Online messages of comfort may be sent to condolences@hellerfuneral.com