Betty Lou Shirk

Betty Lou Shirk, 95, passed away peacefully at the Berks Heim, surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of Thomas C. Shirk, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Earle and Grace (Lucas) Keck.

She had a special place in her heart for animals, and took in dogs from the Shetland Sheep Dog Rescue Group as well as needy cats. Gardening and bird-watching were among Betty’s favorite pastimes, along with cooking, cross-stitching, and sewing. Tom and Betty enjoyed traveling, and enjoyed road trips to Maine, Cape Cod, and New England with their children and tours to Wales, Germany, Ireland and Alaska with friends.

Faith was also very important to Betty. She was an active member of Atonement Lutheran Church, helping on several committees, attending Circle, and volunteering in the kitchen.

Betty worked as a Registered Nurse, graduating from the Reading Hospital School of Nursing in 1952. She will be remembered for her compassion, kindness and devotion to not only her family, but also to her community.

In addition to her spouse, Betty is survived by her children: Mary J. Shirk, of Fleetwood, Paul T. Shirk (Sally), of Fleetwood, Sarah E. Shirk, of Manheim, and Susan J. Boehmer (Chris), of Grantville. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Abigail and Patrick Ryan. She was predeceased by her sister, Evelyn Spangler.

Services for Betty will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church, 5 Wyomissing Blvd, Wyomissing, PA 19611, on Wednesday, September 9 at 11:00 am.

Donations in her honor may be given to Atonement Lutheran Church, Wyomissing.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve Betty’s family. Online condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.