Shirley Marie Shonk

Shirley Marie Shonk, 92, passed away Wednesday morning, March 20, 2024, at Trumbull  Regional Medical Center in Warren.  

She was born March 29, 1931, in Evansville, OH, a daughter of Archie and Selena (Brooks)  Parilla. 

Shirley was a 1949 graduate of Mineral Ridge High School. She then married the love of her life, Charles E. Shonk, Sr., whom she affectionately referred to as "Shonk", on June 16, 1951.  They shared 47 years of marriage and wonderful memories, prior to his passing on March 14,  1999. 

She always had a welcoming home, and hosted many family celebrations. She cherished her role as a homemaker, and found joy in caring for her family and all those around her. Her kindness and gentle spirit touched the lives of many. 

Shirley was a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Mineral Ridge where she was active in the Women's Guild, she sang in the choir, and was always happy to help whenever needed. She was also a member of the Meander Garden Club, Meander Mothers’ Child Conservation League, she collected donations for the Red Cross, she was a Cub Scout Den  Mother, and was the Homecoming Queen of her senior class in 1949. Besides gardening, Shirley enjoyed cooking, ballroom dancing, and she had a special talent for making beautiful wreaths and floral arrangements. Many of her delicious recipes are included in a family cookbook.  

She will be dearly missed by her children; Kathleen Grolemund, Charles (Janet) Shonk, Jr.,  William (Penny) Shonk, Gary (Priscilla) Shonk, and Jay (Christine) Shonk. She also leaves behind two brothers, Charles and Richard Parilla; twelve grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  

Besides her husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Carole Callahan. 

Shirley's favorite quote was "Such Is Life". Throughout her life Shirley exemplified hard work,  perseverance, and a nurturing nature that resonated with everyone she met, and she will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, March 27, at St.  Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 3504 S. Main St., Mineral Ridge, with the Rev. Richard  Murphy as celebrant. 

Friends may call from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Tuesday, March 26, and 10:30-11:30 AM on  Wednesday, March 27, at the Lane Funeral Home Mineral Ridge Chapel. 

She will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband in the Kerr Cemetery, Weathersfield Twp. 

Shirley's family would like to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff at Shepherd of the Valley for all of the tender loving care given to her.

Memorial contributions can be made in Shirley’s memory to the Shepherd of the Valley Foundation, 5525 Silica Road, Austintown, Ohio 44515.

This obituary may be viewed and condolences can be sent by visiting  www.lanefuneralhomes.com.