BARBERTON – Shannon Laura Gerber, 35, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 25, 2020. She was born in Wooster, Ohio to Dennis and Joanne (Ratzel) Gerber.
Shannon was a 2003 graduate of Dalton High School. Upon graduation she was employed at Shady Lawn Nursing Home, and in March of 2007 she started her law enforcement career with the Smithville Police Department. Later that year, she was hired part-time by the Doylestown Police Department. Shannon served as a part time officer until August 2011, when she was selected to serve as the first full- time DARE/School Resource Officer for Chippewa Local Schools. Over the next 8 years, Shannon built relationships with students, parents, staff, teachers and administrators and created a legacy that will forever be remembered. Her passion for children was unprecedented and was obvious in all that she did and accomplished.
In her law enforcement career, Shannon was recognized in 2017 for Law Enforcement Officer of the Year; in 2018 she was nominated and selected as The Child Advocate of the Year for Wayne County, not only for her work in the schools, but also her involvement in investigating numerous cases of neglect and abuse against children, In 2019 Shannon was chosen as one of the most influential women of Wayne County Women’s Network.
In late 2019 Shannon made the tough decision to leave law enforcement and focus her efforts on high risk youth at The Village Network, where she became the Program Supervisor; she helped misguided children suffering from mental health crisis.
Shannon was a beacon and the epitome of what every civil servant should aspire to be; she never failed in her duties as a law enforcement officer and always held steadfast in resolve to protect the local community. She truly was a gift to those hearts she touched and had a larger than life personality, one that will leave a lasting impression on all those hearts she touched.
Surviving in addition to her parents, are grandmother, Phyllis Jean Ratzel; the love of her life, fiance Mason Birkbeck; four sisters, Hilary Gerber (Andrew Walton), Sheridan (Brian) Crawford, Kaitlyn Yost and Sydney Gerber; as well as many cherished Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews and her fur babies, Teddy, Eleanor and Franklin.
She was preceded in death by her grandparent’s Lloyd and Wanda Gerber, Clifford Ratzel and John and Kenova Edgar.
Friends will be received on Friday, July 31, 2020 from 4-8:00 p.m. at the Chippewa High School Gymnasium, 466 S. Portage St., Doylestown, OH 44230. Please be advised that because of COVID-19 masks must be worn at all times and that social distancing will be observed.
Services will be held Saturday, August 1, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the gymnasium. Private family burial will be held.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made on behalf Shannon to Wayne County Children’s Advocacy Center, 1734 Gasche St, Wooster, OH 44691. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Memorial Contributions
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made on behalf Shannon to Wayne County Children’s Advocacy Center, 1734 Gasche St, Wooster, OH 44691.
Service
Saturday, August 1, 2020 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the gymnasium
Visitation
Friday, July 31, 2020 from 4-8:00 p.m.at the Chippewa High School Gymnasium, 466 S. Portage St., Doylestown
I have met Shannon she was a wonderful person and she will never be forgotten
RIP Sister.
I knew you for 10 years, Made a lot of memories together, You saved me, I wish I could’ve done the same.
Our family so saddened by this loss. We feel so fortunate to have had you in our lives. You will always be family to us…
Matt, Linda and Elizabeth
Denny & Joanne,
We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Rick and Sandi
Met Shannon 3 years ago when we were headed to Mexico with my uncle. She’s such an amazing woman. Even saw random men trying to mess with a drunk woman by the pool. She took off and made those man leave and watched over that woman made it to where she was going. Even on vacation she was protecting people. During that trip she stepped on an urchin. My aunt took my tweezers and got the pieces out her foot. To her family thank you for sharing her with the world. She will be missed.
May God grant you and your family comfort in the loss of your daughter/sister. Our sympathy and prayers are with you…
Larry & Deb
Shannon spread so much kindness and humanity toward others in so little time. Our loss; Heaven’s gain. God bless her family and loved ones.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family
I am deeply saddened to hear of Shannon’s passing. My deepest sympathies go out to your family and fiance. I remember her wonderful and gentle personality as my former student. She was beautiful and such a blessing to her community and friends! Sending my prayers during this very painful time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time, praying for comfort and peace.
The Gerber girls were a big part of everyone’s life. However you know them they always made you feel apart of their family. They all have this contagious smile. I love each one them dearly. My heart breaks for them. Thank you for sharing Shannon with the world. She will be deeply missed by everyone. God Speed Shannon…
Love all of you,
Angela & Bill Marthey
Denny & Joanne, My heart breaks for you and your family. I can’t imagine what you are going thru. You are in my prayers.
Our hearts go out to you and your family. Although I don’t know exactly what to say, I want you to know that we are with you in thought and wish you comfort and peace as you remember Shannon.
My heart breaks for your family. I met Shannon when we were kids at whispering hills campground. Her family became my campground family. I will always cherish those memories.
Love, The Sloan’s
Denny , Joanne and family you are in our thoughts and prayers
May God grant you peace my dear colleague and those that grew to love you over the years.
Miss. Gerber, she was are light when there was darkness. Our prayers are with you
She help me when I was down bring me up and believe in myself when all I wanted to do was give up on myself she made me more confident in myself it hurts to see her gone she be forever missed!!
My deepest condolences to Shannon’s family, both blood and blue, with prayers for comfort and peace going up for all of you. Godspeed sister.
Miss Shannon helped my family and I in February. I can’t express how much. She took her time speaking to us, eased our stress, and answered all of our questions. She did so much my child. I’m sorry for your loss. I’ll be praying for the family.
My heart goes out to your Grandmother (Jean Ratzel, Parents (Joann & Denny) Twin sister (Sheridan) and everyone who loved her so dearly.
Now when I look up at the sky, I’ll think of you and your Dad (Clifford), Uncle Babe, your star will be the shimmering star that looks brand-new. I’ll make a wish for you to feel everyone’s love and presence with you still.
I just learned of this sad and shocking news. I’m so so sorry. My sympathy to her loving family and Mason. I enjoyed her as a student ,proud of her many accomplishments and the difference she made in the world My heart is heavy and prayers go out to all. May God bless ❤️