Shirley Ann Lehky

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Shirley Ann Lehky, age 84, on February 21st, 2024.

Shirley was born on July 7th, 1939 in Lorain, OH. She graduated from Vermilion High School where she was a class secretary and won the title of May Queen. She was in charge of and fully enjoyed planning class reunions for years to follow. Shirley also graduated from Oberlin Business College.

In 1958, she married her high school sweetheart and together they raised 4 children - her pride and joy. Becoming a grandma brought her immense happiness. Being known as Grandma Shirley, not only within the family, but by others, speaks volumes about the remarkable person she was - someone whose kindness and warmth touched the lives of many.

She was a farmer’s daughter turned farmer’s wife famous for their homegrown strawberries. In addition to her role on the farm, she worked many years at the Musik Box Haus.

Going dancing, planting flowers, sewing, attending grandchildren’s activities, and hosting family gatherings were a few of her favorite things. She is well known for her delicious cakes, cookies, pies (2x Cherry Pie Contest Winner), and gourmet meals. You could say she was the original “meals on wheels”. She was committed to her church, served on numerous committees, and always stayed strong in her faith. Her selflessness and boundless love were evident to all who knew her, as she was always thinking of others and caring for those around her. Shirley leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by her family and friends forever.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Julia (nee Todd) Greenhoe, and her son, Michael Lehky.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, William “Bill” Lehky, of 65 years; her three children, Julie (John) Strittmather of Vermilion, OH, Daniel (Edelwina) Lehky of Vermilion, OH, and Dawn (Jason) Cleaver of Amherst, OH; daughter in law, Julie Lehky; 13 grandchildren, Megan (Brian), Elizabeth (Matthew), Katelyn (Jeffrey), Christopher, Erin, Allison, Ryan, Kelsey, Brooke, Hailey, Cole, Jacob, and Madelyn; and five great-grandchildren, Quinn, Connor, Bennett, Cohen, and Brooks.

Her family will receive friends on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the United Church of Christ Congregational, 990 State Street, Vermilion, OH. A private interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the United Church of Christ Congregational, 990 State Street, Vermilion, OH 44089.

Expressions of sympathy and online condolences can be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.