September 3, 1933 ~ November 18, 2023 (age 90)
Bolen, Shirley Jane, age 90, passed away on November 18, 2023.
She was born September 3, 1933 in Dayton, Ohio to her parents, the late Roy Albert and Lois Mae Small.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Donna Bolen; sisters, Mary Niswonger (Carl), Helen Good (Claude) and Elcie Anthony (Robert).
On January 13, 1950, she was married to the love of her life Lewis Bolen. Lewis preceded her in death in 1985.
Shirley lived a long, full life, and survived many years since Lewis’s passing. She occupied her time with working for Neff’s Athletic Lettering, Greenville, Ohio making athletic jacket letters until her retirement in 1998. After her retirement, she spent much of her time managing the Clothes Closet for the Trinity United Methodist Church in Arcanum, Ohio, providing affordable and in many cases, free clothing to those in need. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church until 2015. She finally fully retired in 2015 and spent much of her last years doing what she enjoyed most; cross stitch, crochet, and quilting, along with making “scrubbies”, and other sewn items. Her life touched many people in the community and will leave a lasting impression on her family.
She is survived by her brother, Albert Eugene “Bud” Small; her son, Jeffrey Bolen and his children, Brian, Jamie and Andrew; son, Bill Bolen and wife Deborah, and their children, Alisa and Kyle. She is also survived by seven great grandchildren. Shirley also leaves to cherish her memory numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held 4-6 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at the KREITZER FUNERAL HOME, 204 N. MAIN ST. ARCANUM, OH . Shirley’s final resting place will be with her husband Lewis in Abbottsville Cemetery.