Shearer

Shirley Anne (Bowser) Shearer, 89, formerly of Kittanning, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering love, quiet strength and deep faith.

Born Oct. 15, 1935, in Walkchalk, East Franklin Township, she was the daughter of the late Rufus and Florence (Lewis) Bowser.

A 1953 graduate of Worthington-West Franklin High School, Shirley married her high school sweetheart, James Robert Shearer, on June 9, 1956. Together, they built a life of commitment and devotion that spanned 65 beautiful years until Robert’s passing in 2021. Their bond was one of enduring partnership, rooted in shared faith, laughter and deep affection.

Shirley was the proud mother of Carla (Ralph) Hardt of Valencia and Brian (Sherry) Shearer of Ellwood City. She was a loving grandmother to Megan (Jonathan) Allison, Aryn (Alex) Wettach, Nicholas (Cagney) Shearer, Jillian Shearer and Cassidy Shearer, fiancée of Matthew Brown; and a doting great-grandmother to Silas, Ira, Juniper and Hyacinth Allison, and Sutton and Sawyer Shearer. Each child, grandchild and great-grandchild was a treasure to her heart, she loved nothing more than holding all these babies.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Deloris (Glenn) Anthony and Gloria (Keith) Ruffaner, both of Worthington; and is lovingly remembered by her nieces, nephew, extended family and many dear friends.

Shirley dedicated 40 years of service to Armstrong County Memorial Hospital, retiring in 1994 as director of human resources. Her commitment, leadership and compassion left a lasting impact on the hospital community.

A longtime member of Worthington Baptist Church, Shirley served faithfully as co-director of Vacation Bible School and youth group, Sunday school teacher, church clerk, and member of the remodeling committee for both the church and parsonage. Her faith was lived out through quiet acts of service, a giving heart and a steadfast spirit.

Shirley’s life was filled with joyful hobbies and simple pleasures. She loved craft painting, playing the piano, reading, traveling and spending precious time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She found joy in collecting Loving Thoughts Cherubim Angels, Fenton Baskets and Fostoria. She was also a former member of the Alamo Squares Dance Club, where she and Robert made treasured memories dancing and enjoying fellowship.

Shirley will be remembered for her gracious presence, her tender heart and the deep reservoir of love she gave so freely. Her legacy is one of family, faith and quiet strength — a life well-lived and deeply cherished.

She is gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.

SHEARER — Friends of Shirley Anne (Bowser) Shearer, who died Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, will be received from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at F. DUANE SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 119 Bear St., Worthington, with Pastor Dan Basham officiating.

Interment will be in Lawn Haven Burial Estates, Worthington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford at 146 Neely School Road, Wexford, PA 15090, or online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/gshf, in Shirley’s memory.

For more information or to express condolences to the family, please visit www.snydercrissman.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.