Shirley K. Cerett

Shirley K. Cerett, of New Philadelphia, died Saturday, Feb. 16, 2002, in her home, following a courageous battle with cancer.Shirley was born Aug. 31, 1938, in Mannington, WV. She graduated cum laude from West Virginia University in 1959. She was a schoolteacher for thirty-four years, retiring in 1999. Shirley taught health, physical education and science in West Virginia, Scio, Sandy Valley, at the Kent State Tuscarawas Branch and New Philadelphia High School. She also served as a volleyball, track and cheerleading coach, as well as a gymnastics instructor.Shirley was an Ohio high school gymnastics official for nineteen years, having earned the 1989 Distinguished Service Award for High School Gymnastics from the National Federation of Interscholastic Officials Assoc. She was a member of numerous golf leagues, having scored two holes-in-one. Shirley was a true sports fan, and spent the past few years as a devoted fan of the New Philadelphia High School wrestling team.She was a member of the Faith Christian Church, New Philadelphia.Shirley’s children and grandchildren were the loves of her life. She was also blessed to have both of her parents, Robert E. and Ruth Barrows of Jefferson St. S.E., New Philadelphia, still living. In addition to her parents, survivors include a daughter, Suzanne (Frank) Haupt of Canton; a son, Steve (Alana) Shade of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, James and Alexandra “Ali” Haupt; former husbands and present-day friends, Harold D. and Alice Shade of New Philadelphia, and Clyde C. (Dalene) Cerett, also of New Philadelphia; her beloved cat, Sammy; and close friends, Jean Walker and Barbara Ventura, both of New Philadelphia.Shirley’s grandparents, and her devoted cat, Shadow, preceded her in death.A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2002,at 11 a.m., in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home, New Philadelphia. Pastor Brian G. Flood will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Burial Park, New Philadelphia. There will be a reception in the Geib Family Center following the committal. Visitation will be Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2002, 6-9 p.m., in the funeral home.