Shirley Buytendyk, of Wooster, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at West View Healthy Living, having spent a life well-lived.
Shirley was born on August 23, 1925 to Mildred and Arthur E. Gibbs. She was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother. Her children, who all survive her, are Michael (Renee) Buytendyk, Tracey (David) Mullenhour, and Emily Salamon. Her grandchildren are Krysten (Josh) Bennett, Andrew (Kati) Pyles, and Allyson Buytendyk, and great-granddaughter Isla Pyles. Shirley is also survived by her brother, Arthur E. (Carol) Gibbs Jr. In addition, she is survived by a number of good friends, too numerous to name, but you know who you are.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Barbara MacRae and her brothers, Robert (Bobbie) Gibbs and Richard (Dick) Gibbs.
After graduating from Northwestern University, besides taking care of her children, Shirley spent her life giving of herself as a volunteer for many organizations. Whether it was being involved with the Junior Service League in Canton, Ohio, and after moving to Wooster, taking temperatures at Red Cross blood drives, delivering meals for Meals on Wheels, taking hundreds of baby pictures at the Wooster Community Hospital for the Women s Auxiliary, sorting through thousands of books for the AAUW, or spending countless hours over the years at her beloved St. James Episcopal Church, much of the time as head of the Altar Guild, Shirley was always there to help out in any way she could.
A memorial service will be held on July 10, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church.
Arrangements being handled by McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St. Wooster.
Please remember Shirley by making sure that each and every day you let the people around you know they are loved.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Memorial Contributions
Service
A memorial service will be held on July 10, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church.
Visitation
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. My husband, Michael, and I bought her house at 401 Holmes Blvd. in 1987, and she became not only a good neighbor, but a surrogate grandmother to my 4 children (Kelley, Bobby, Jimmy and Ashley) who endearingly referred to her as “Grandma B”. My family has such fond memories of our years in Wooster, and she was a huge part of that. She was the first person my boys wanted to visit on their bikes after learning how to ride a 2-wheeler! We loved the home that she sold to us, and how she was so happy that a “new” family with young children would get to enjoy the secret attic, the many rooms in the basement where they could play, and of course the yard with all of the woods. She was a very special lady and she will be missed! With my deepest sympathy, Roberta Kulina, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Miss Shirley was one of a kind… loved hearing her stories about growing up and the family business. Will always remember our special lunches and the times we spent together. We are truly blessed to have known this special woman. God be with the family at this time. Please know she has touched many lives with love and joy:)
Decade ago, “Mrs. B” took me (and a number of other young derelicts) into her home as we attended the College of Wooster with her son, Mike. She made us feel like family members. Now, decades later, I remember her dearly and with gratitude.
Tracey: So glad Krysten did a post on Facebook, or I wouldn’t have known. I have so many fond memories of your mother. Will see you at the funeral.
Mike, Emily, Tracey and family, we are sorry about the loss of Shirley. We remember the trips, Jekyll Island, Houghton Lake, and Shirley so sweet to remember others by celebrating, gave bridal shower etc. Sandy Tegtmeier Behlau, Deb Miller, Dean, Doug Tegtmeier
So sorry to see this about your mom. Cherish the memories as they will comfort you in the coming days. What a long life she had!
Heartfelt condolences to the Buytendyk family. Shirley was a gem, and a classy lady. She always made me feel at home. All our family is up there with open arms full of pizzelles! Dear Shirley…we will miss your beautiful face!
What a awesome lady. Prayers
Mike,so sorry for the loss of your Mother
So sorry to hear of your loss, Mike. Mike and I send our condolences to your family during this difficult time.
Dearest Mike, Renée, and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing.
I know how much you loved and cared for her. I pray that Our Heavenly Father gives you grace and comfort in the days ahead.
With love,
Renée S
Friends,
We were sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. The Oakely Road gang will miss her. It was a great street to grow up on and Shirley was part of the moms who gathered regularly to visit over coffee and plan street gatherings. Your family hosted my husband’s groomsmen for the weekend of our wedding. They were big guys and got rather playful in your upstairs room. Bless your parents for being OK with their good fun. Thinking of you in your loss.
Fondly,
Linda and Dave
Mike I am sorry to hear about your Mom. I remember her as a kind and gentle soul. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Tracey (and Family) There are few words that may be offered to lessen the impact of the loss of your mother. But, please know that you and your family and the many loved ones that have shared in your mothers life are in my thoughts and prayers. My most sincere condolences.
So sorry to learn of Shirley’s passing. What a great lady she was indeed. She and Jane S. are having a grand reunion in heaven. Wonder what they are planning? It will be grand. She always had a dedicated and loving heart. Prayers for all her friends, her family and her extended family. Blessings.
Mike, Tracey and Emily, Very sorry to learn of the passing of your mother. She was a gracious and wonderful person. I will always treasure the memories of spending time in your home playing cards and watching the Browns with Mike and many high school friends under her watchful eye. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Warm wishes and sincere condolences.
Sorry to hear about your mom . Thoughts and prayers for you and your family . We love you !
I am so saddened to learn of Shirley’s passing. She was a big part of the love and feeling of family I felt growing up at St. James and visiting as an adult. She will live on in the memories of all the people she loved and cared for over the years. Sending my most heartfelt condolences to all of you.
Mike, Emily, and Tracey – I was so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing; she was such a terrifIc person. Life threw a few curve balls her way, but she always maintained her optimism and good cheer. She was one of the first people that treated me like an adult, which meant a lot to a gawky teenager. And she was always so kind to me and my family. I treasured the times I had a chance to visit with her in recent years and share stories about her and my Mom. It warms my heart to think about the two of them back together again, telling jokes and giggling like schoolgirls. On behalf of all the Heuchlings, our condolences to you and your families.