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Sheila Skimmerhorn Obituary
Sheila Leellyn (Cash) Skimmerhorn passed away in her home on October 13, 2024 at age 78. She was born on October 13, 1946 to Verlon Dale and Dorothy Hoyle Cash who predecease her. During her early years, she was raised on a number of Air Force bases around the country but lived most of her life in Springfield. Sheila graduated from Springfield South High School in 1964.
She was the first student to register at the new campus that was to become Wright State University. She completed her bachelor's degree in Spanish and History in three years, making her the first graduate to have earned all her credits at Wright State (1967). She received her M.A. in Curriculum Development from Wright State in 1970.
She taught Spanish for 54 years in several area schools. Her students adored her, most affectionately calling her Skimmy. Many kept in touch with her and often shared with her how her kind nature and skillful teaching left a lasting impression on them. Over the years, she received several awards for her teaching, including the Howard L. Post Excellence in Education Award.
Survivors include her children, Faith Schiffer and Curt (Stacey) Smith, grandsons, Austin Smith, Wyatt Smith, Barry Schiffer, sisters Shari (James) Nicely, Michele Russo, as well as several cousins and a few dear friends.
Sheila was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was kind and generous and always loved spending time with family and friends. She was a wonderful hostess who loved to cook and decorate for the holidays.
She volunteered for many years at the Clark State Performing Arts Center, was active in the Lagonda Chapter of the DAR, Pilot Club, Women's Issues Network, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church where she served as President of the Church Council.
Sheila was especially fond of sloths and fulfilled her dream last year of holding a sloth in Honduras while on a cruise with her grandsons. She loved to travel and made trips to Europe, Mexico, and South America.
Ever the educator, she generously donated her body to the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University. It was her desire that her gift will contribute significantly to learning ways to improve the health of the living.
The family wishes to thank Ohio's Hospice for their excellent care. We could not have asked for better treatment for our loved one.
Services will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church, 712 N. Fountain Ave., Springfield, OH 45504. Pastor Gil Santiago and Pastor Bonny Kinnunen will officiate. The family will receive guests two hours prior to the service. The service will also be streamed on the Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/GoodShepherdSpringfield)
We ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Sheila's memory to Ohio's Hospice, 7575 Paragon Rd., Dayton, OH 45459. (https://www.ohioshospice.org/give/) or to the charity of your choice.
In memory of Sheila, we invite you to pour a margarita and toast her life and the journey she is now on.
Buen Camino!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sheila Skimmerhorn
Chase S
October 18, 2024
Mrs. Skimmerhorn was my substitute spanish teacher at Cedarcliff High School in my sophomore year of High School. I am so happy to see that her love for los perezosos was mentioned, as that was shared with our class that year. She had an incredibly kind heart and earnestly cared for her students. Her sense of humor was great, and she loved what she did. I am grateful for the time spent learning and laughing with such a great lady. I'm grieved to hear of her loss, yet overjoyed at the fact she is with the Lord for all eternity.
Cindy Mercer
October 17, 2024
I worked with Sheila at Greeneview High School for many years! She loved teaching Spanish and taking her students on trips to Spanish speaking nations where they could absorb the culture. I love that just last year she traveled to Honduras and held a sloth! Sheila certainly lived life to the fullest and gave her life in service to others including serving Thanksgiving meals for the homeless. She has left a legacy in her family and students.
Adam Kahelin
October 17, 2024
Rest in peace, Ms. Skimmy was my second mother and my best friends mom. There was nothing she wouldn't do for us when we were in school.... I mean nothing !!! Concerts, camping trips etc she was always up to have a good time and made sure everybody's else around her did as well. She couldn't get me to speak Spanish as well as her but I learned and she took the time to teach me basic Spanish after school. Also she taught me some unforgettable fundamentals of life and living good that I'll never forget. God will be with her and looking down upon her Grand Kids and the rest of her family.
God's Bless You.
John Polk
October 16, 2024
Deepest condolences to the family. I was not a student of hers, as I took French instead of Spanish, but kept in touch with her over the years after Greeneview High School in Jamestown, as work and life took my family to Spanish-speaking countries. I think of her often here in Costa Rica with an abundance of sloths and enjoyed sharing pictures with her whenever we encountered them. Sheila is remembered for her zest for life and wonderful spirit! ¡Que Dios la reciba en Su Gloria!
Sheryl Roddy
October 16, 2024
Prayers for Sheila's family, she spoke of you all often. I had the pleasure of Sheila being my Vice Regent in the Lagonda Chapter DAR. Sheila was very knowledgeable. She will be missed by many!
Jordan Slone
October 16, 2024
I´m deeply saddened to hear this news. She was a remarkable woman who inspired and supported me throughout my life, from my high school days to now. Her guidance meant the world to me, and I will always cherish the impact she had on my journey. She will be profoundly missed. Hasta que nos volvamos a encontrar, Skim.
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