Shirley Yerkes Obituary

Shirley Ann (Kirkendall) Yerkes

Shirley Ann (Kirkendall) Yerkes, 72, of Fostoria, passed away in Chagrin Falls at 11:09 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2025, of lung cancer surrounded by her girls.

Shirley was born August 8, 1952, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to the late Rev. Russel Andrew and Wanda Lee (Cortson) Kirkendall.

Shirley graduated from Ogamaw Heights High School in West Branch, Michigan, in 1971.

Shirley worked as a bartender at the Eagles in Fostoria, where she met her late husband.

Shirley married Steven Yerkes in the Smoky Mountains and lived together in Fostoria until his death.

Shirley was always keeping her mind and hands busy. She really enjoyed reading, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards and board games and crafting. She dabbled in a lot of different crafts but truly loved quilting and painting.

Her favorite color and flower was purple lilac. But all yellow flowers made her smile.

Shirley is leaving behind three daughters, Judena Cathleen (McDermand) Pitts of Gibsonburg, Dorenda Colleen (Damon) McDermand-Conn of Chagrin Falls and Samantha Pauline (Scott) Cooper of Fostoria; more than a dozen grandchildren and almost two dozen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Miriam Kirkendall, Tennessee; siblings, Andrew Phillip (Kay) Kirkendall, Virginia Beach, Virginia and Judy (Gerald) Fowler (Kirkendall), Georgia.

Preceding Shirley in death are husband, Steven Yerkes; son, Nicholas Gilbert Massie; parents, Wanda Lee (Cortson) Kirkendall and Rev. Russel Kirkendall; brother, Rev. Jack Lamar Kirkendall; and niece, Alicia Dawn Kirkendall.

Visitation is 11-Noon Saturday, June 28, 2025, at MANN-HARE-HOENING FUNERAL HOME, 407 N. Countyline St., Fostoria, Ohio 44830, where a funeral service will follow at noon.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.hoeningfuneralhome.com