Shirley Alice Winget Buehler, 90, passed away peacefully at sunset on Sunday, May 19, 2024 in Wooster, Ohio.
Born to Helen Mead Winget and Howard Winget on August 30, 1933, in Akron, Shirley’s family moved to Wooster in 1941 where she grew up and became a dedicated member of the community.
Shirley graduated from Wooster High School in 1951 and Ohio Wesleyan University in 1955; she went on to teach high school home economics at Granville High School. She also worked at Buehler’s Grocery in the summers, where she met the love of her life, Donald Wade Buehler.
Shirley and Don were married at the Wooster United Methodist Church on June 24, 1956, and spent 61 years together raising their three boys before Don’s passing in 2017.
A phenomenal storyteller, Shirley enjoyed sharing idyllic stories of riding her red scooter in her childhood, visiting her grandparents’ farm in Greenwich with her brother Keith, walking to and from school, and participating in church youth group activities. As an adult, she loved family camping trips, traveling with Don, and spending time at Lakeside, Ohio, and in Naples, Florida during the winter months.
Shirley was an active member of the Wooster United Methodist Church for 88 years, participating in the bell choir and Deborah’s Circle. She also belonged to Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, Fireside Club, PEO Chapter AP, and Mothers Club. She filled her time serving others and formed many friendships doing so.
Shirley was an elegant, humble, and truly gracious woman having quietly contributed to various philanthropic organizations over the years, always lending a helpful hand to those in need. Mostly, Shirley loved her family.
She will be remembered for her ability to romanticize even the most mundane events – sitting in her sunroom, sipping an A&W Root Beer, arranging flowers, and listening to birds calling from her bird clock on the hour. Her laughter could be heard echoing through the house as she entertained her family and grandchildren, or as she rode shotgun in one of Don’s vintage cars.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Buehler, son, Robert Buehler, infant daughter, parents, Helen and Howard Winget, and sister-in-law, Marty Winget.
She is survived by her sons – Roger (Valerie) Buehler of Loveland, CO, and Greg (Darby) Buehler of Wooster, daughter-in-law Laurie Buehler of Castle Rock, CO, and her brother, Keith Winget of Stowe. She leaves a legacy of graciousness to grandchildren Brandon (Elaine) Buehler, Adrianne (Michael) Vincent, Keeley (James) Hunter, Trevor Buehler, Ashley (Seth) Johnson, Brian Buehler, Eylie (Jon) Crudup, and Eric Buehler as well as 5 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to No Place Like Home Caregivers who treated Shirley like family. We are so grateful for the love and support you provided through the years. They also want to thank the team at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare who do such meaningful work for our community.
A private memorial and burial with family in attendance will take place in the coming weeks.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be directed to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, Ohio 44691.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Greg, Darby & family,Laurie & family, Roger, Val & family. From the day Linda and I moved to Linwood, we felt more like family than neighbors. Your mom and dad became our close friends as you all have.They will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I will also miss my monthly visits with her we had man talks as she told me all about your family history. God Bless
Greg and family
So sorry to hear about your mom. She sounds like a wonderful woman and quite a blessing to your family. Glad you had her for all these years. Again, my condolences.
Buehler Family,
We have such beautiful memories of your mom. Always welcoming and gracious. Blessings to all of you as you celebrate her life and generosity. Love to you all.
Greg, Darby and your families…. as I write I can so clearly see Shirley’s smile and remember how vibrant she was. The last time we spoke was when I delivered a spaghetti dinner, from Wooster UMC. She always had a hug and generous words of welcome. I join you in celebrating the memories of a life well-lived and a woman well-loved.
My deepest sympathy for the passing of your mom. I always enjoyed seeing her and your dad when I worked at the store.
Roger, Greg and the Buehler Family,
We are saddened to hear about the passing of Shirley. Wishing you peace and comfort as you remember someone as special as Shirley. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
The Beckler Family
Our prayers and sympathy to the Whole Family.
Roy and Donna Edington
Greg, Darby and family,
Todd and I send our condolences.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kimberly
So sorry for the loss of your wonderful mother. May she rest in peace. Prayers. – Jim & Tammy Kronenberger
Buehler Family, Shirley and Don were wonderful neighbors and friends to my family. I remember going with Shirley and Val to Home Ec club together. Her smile lit up a room. And what a wonderful legacy they left with their generous gift to Ohio Hospice center. Wooster is fortunate to have such a fine facility. Please accept my sincere condolences.
To the Buehler Family:
So heartbroken to learn of Shirley’s passing. May God comfort and bless you, especially during this time of sorrow.
Julie Leathers Stahl
My deepest sympathy to the Buehler family. Shirley was a bright light in my day when I would see her. She was such a wonderful role model for how to be a great person. She will be missed. As you gather to celebrate her life, may the many joyous memories you share help to ease your sorrow.
Greg and family, we are so very sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a beautiful soul.
Greg, Darby and the whole Buehler family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. 💔 I loved chatting with Shirley on the phone. A beautiful soul. 💛💛
Greg and Darby (and family), Our family is sending prayers and all our love to you. Your mom was a beautiful person as demonstrated by her full life and the love extended to everyone she met. Hope you find strength being with family and friends during this difficult time and celebrate all the wonderful memories.
Jeff Slater and family
Dear Buehler Kids. Sending my love and sympathy to you. I have so many wonderful memories of your mother as she and I raised our kids living next door to each other. I could not have asked for a better neighbor or friend. Hope some of these memories will bring a smile to your face.
Condolences to all the Buehler family….i have fond memories of a most gracious and kind aunt. She offered a sweet smile and words of encouragement during our conversations. May her legacy live on forever!
So very sorry to hear this! Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Shirley lived such a meaningful life!! We hope you find comfort in knowing this.
Shirley always had a smile for everyone. We will miss her joyful presence and her community spirit. Her gift to Lifecare Hospice has brought great comfort to many. The Buehler family is in our prayers
It was with a very sad heart that I read of Shirley’s passing. Her twinkling eyes and beautiful smile on the outside, just showed what a precious soul she had on the inside. She was always so gracious, and I enjoyed interacting with her in all my years as an employee of Buehler’s. Always friendly and warm. My sincere sympathy to the Buehler family, and especially her immediate family, who seemed like my family, too. I am sure that Don & Bob were overjoyed to have their Shirley join them once again. You were all very blessed to have a wonderful woman, such as she, to guide you through life, and her presence will be dearly missed. You are in my prayers. Respectfully~”Ding”
Our sincere sympathy and condolences to the Buehler family in the loss of this woman. She was an inspiration to many of us at Buehler’s Fresh Foods and we treasure the legacy left by Shirley and Don.
Mike and Joanna Davidson
To the Buehler family, it was with a sad heart to hear of Shirley’s passing. She was very kind and generous in making everyone she came in contact with feel welcome. Please accept our condolences. Shirley will be missed, but not forgotten.
Sincerely,
Sam and Joyce Vura