Shirley Reese

The Earth lost an angel in Shirley Ailine Reese on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at her home surrounded by her family and friends after a courageous seven year battle with cancer. Born July 22, 1938 in St. Thomas Township, she was a daughter of the late David W. and Ester Pheil Pool. Her husband, John S. Reese II, whom she married on September 9, 1955, preceded her in death on August 31, 1982.

Shirley was employed at the Osterman House in Chambersburg as a cook for many years. She then worked as an inserter for Gannett Publishing until her retirement in 2000. She was a member of Chambersburg First Church of God. Shirley never lost her sence of humor, even up until the end. She was often heard saying, “Ya just gotta have a little fun”. She had an uncanny ability to find the good in every person, or the upside in every situation. She enjoyed watching old movies, sitting on the porch, and most of all, being with her family. She will be sorely missed and loved forever.

Surviving are four children, Linda L. Melius (husband Greg) of Chambersburg, Michelle J. Switzer (husband Tony) of Newport News, VA Nicole L. Reese (companion Mike Walker) of Chambersburg, and John S. Reese III of Chambersburg; six grandchildren, Sarah Vasel (Charles), Serena Tofts (Philip), Dustin Shaffer, Daniel Shaffer (Felisha), and Colton and Breonna Reese; three great-grandchildren; five siblings, Mildred Stayman of Upper Strasburg, Betty Boose of Chambersburg, Donald Pool of Edenville, Gerald Pool of Greencastle, and Joe Pool of Greencastle; son-in-law, Daryl Shaffer; and her special friend and caregiver, Jenny Boynton. In addition, she is survived by her late companion of 17 years, David E. Angle’s children, David G. Angle (Lori), and Kevin Angle (Lisa); and his grandchildren, Chase, Tanner and Alexis Angle. In addition to her parents, husband, and companion, Shirley is preceded in death by a daughter, Tammi S. Shaffer; and three siblings, Patricia Adams, Marshall Pool, and Kenneth Pool.

A funeral service to honor Shirley’s life will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, January 8, 2016 in the chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA. Chaplain Rocky Spear will officiate. Interment will follow the service in Lincoln Cemetery. There will be a public viewing one hour prior to the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Franklin Fulton unit, 924 N. Colonial Ave. York, PA 17403; to ASPCA at www.aspca.org/donate; or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.stjude.org