Shirley Ann (Peters) Baldwin
September 20, 1934 ~ January 8, 2018 (age 83) 83 Years OldShirley Ann Baldwin, 83, of Defiance, passed away on Monday, January 8, 2018 at The Toledo Hospital. "I want to be with Jesus!" was her last wish. She was full of love, hope, and faith, and will be missed by so many that loved her.
She was born on September 20, 1934 to Duane and Luella (Krause) Peters in Henry County. Shirley graduated as the Valedictorian of Florida High School in 1952. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Defiance College, and taught for 25 years at Elida and Patrick Henry Schools. On April 5, 1953 she married Richard Baldwin, the love of her life.
Shirley was an active United Methodist Church member, taught Sunday School at several Methodist Churches, held many positions in the church throughout the years, and was instrumental in founding the Bible Scholarship Fund. Shirley was the voice of Ayersville Track for over 35 years, and was a huge supporter of Ayersville sports. She was a Life Member of the OEA, and many professional teaching organizations. She and her husband Richard were both interpreters at Sauder Village for 20 years. Shirley was very supportive of her children's and grandchildren's educations and sporting activities.
Shirley is survived by her husband Richard, of 64 years, son, Rick (Nancy) Baldwin of Ayersville, daughters, Robin (Craig) McKibben of Bowling Green, OH, Jill (Mike) McCoy of Centerville, OH, and Joy (Gary) Samlow of Continental, 12 grandchildren; Rex (Mel) Baldwin, Nick Baldwin ( fiancee Dawn Walter), Megan (Chris) Penman, Kirk (Lindsay) McKibben, Kyle (Kelsey) McKibben, Katie (Bob) Gilreath, Steven McCoy (Alyssa Fink), Daniel McCoy, Mindy Craft (fiancé Scott Williams), Ashley (Jerad) Ensign, Sara (Rick) Taylor, and Ally Samlow, 9 great-grandchildren; Riley and Lexie Baldwin, Brooks and Clark McKibben, Carter McKibben, Caden and Taylor Craft, Peyton and Paige Ensign, sister, Jeanine Stevens of Defiance, and stepbrother, and Doug (Beth) Bachman of Defiance.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Hal Peters, and stepmother, Bessie Peters.
Visitation will be held from 2-8 pm on Friday, January 12, 2018 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, and for one hour prior to services at the church. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, January 13th at Ayersville United Methodist Church, with Rev. Clarence Dinnen officiating. Burial will follow the service at Ayersville Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Gideons International Bible, or Ayersville Athletic Department. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.