Shirley J. Ortz 1939-2026

Shirley lived a life defined by faith, service, hard work and unwavering devotion to her family and community.

Born to Chester and Ruth Nelson, Shirley was raised with the values of kindness, integrity and perseverance that would guide her throughout her life.

She graduated from Redbank Valley High School in Bethlehem, Pa., with the Class of 1957, where she earned the distinction of salutatorian.

On Oct. 19, 1957, she married the love of her life, Paul Ortz, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, commitment and shared faith.

Shirley devoted herself to raising her family as a stay-at-home mother before beginning a distinguished 25-year career as a rural letter carrier serving the Petersburg and New Middletown post offices. Her dedication to the profession extended beyond delivering the mail. She was an active member of the Ohio Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (ORLCA), serving as president for three years and holding several other leadership positions throughout her many years of membership. She was respected by her fellow carriers for her leadership, professionalism and commitment to serving others.

Shirley spent 37 years with H&R Block as a senior tax preparer. During those years, she built lasting friendships with co-workers and clients alike, becoming known not only for her knowledge and professionalism but also for her warm smile, caring heart, and willingness to help others.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Shirley was a devoted member of Petersburg Presbyterian Church for more than 60 years. Throughout her membership, she faithfully served in numerous leadership and volunteer roles, generously giving her time and talents to support her church family. Her commitment to serving others extended throughout the community, where she volunteered countless hours with various organizations, always seeking ways to make a positive difference.

Shirley is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 69 years, Paul; her loving children, Willie (Connie) Ortz, Paula (Dwayne) Risner, Patti (Russell Masaitis) Gibson and Robert (Jennifer) Ortz; her sisters, Sylvia Shoemaker and Dianne Downs; her grandchildren, Jessie (John Hart) Ortz, Sarah (Kyle) Pierce, Cody Ortz, Josh (Jen) Gobel, James (Ashley) Gobel, Keith (Paige) Gobel, Ashley (Rodney) Bosher, Trevor (Anastasia) Gibson, Nikki Gibson, Dru (Brittany) Ortz and Amanda (Russell) Koscelansky; and 25 great-grandchildren and two great-grandsons on the way.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Harold Nelson and Larry Nelson.

Shirley will be remembered for her servant’s heart, quiet strength, tireless work ethic and unconditional love for her family, friends, church and community. Her legacy of faith, compassion and service will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Her family finds comfort in knowing that her life was one well lived, her race well run and her faith made sight. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.

The family requests that monetary donations in Shirley’s name be made to Petersburg Presbyterian Church, 13996 Youngstown-Pittsburgh Road, Petersburg, OH 44454.

Friends may call noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at Clemente Funeral Home, 10170 Main St., New Middletown, OH 44442.

Friends may call 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, July 20, at Petersburg Presbyterian Church.

Services will be held at 11 a.m., followed by interment in Petersburg Cemetery.

This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent at www.ClementeFuneralHomes.com.

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