Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Shirley Raber-Heim Obituary
Shirley was born in Alliance, Ohio on November 1, 1930, to the late Elizabeth and Earnest Raber, she graduated from Louisville High School in 1948. On April 20, 1952, she married John W. Heim whom she supported while he worked his way through medical school. They lived in Kansas City, Missouri and built their home and his medical practice in Canal Fulton, Ohio. She worked as an Administrative Assistant for Armco Steel before joining the Exchange Bank in Canal Fulton in 1967, where her smile, service to customers and dedication earned her countless friendships and respect in the community. She retired from First Merit Bank after 28 years of service, and returned to banking part-time for an additional eight years at Apple Creek Bank until age 76.
Shirley was a member of Eastern Star for over 50 years, during football season volunteered for the Northwest Band Boosters, served food at the Northwest Stark Senior Center and was a 12 year volunteer for the Canal Fulton Summer Theatre. Shirley loved gardening, yard maintenance, the beach, road trips, concerts and spending quality time with her family.
In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, John; brother, Russell Raber and nephew, Bruce Raber. Survivors include sons, Brad (Kim) Heim of Tallmadge and Brian (Jane) Heim of Green; daughter, Beth Spera (partner Kenny Kovick) of Canton; grandchildren, Michael, Kristin (Jon Lenton), Jonathan (Alysa) Heim, Brooke, Danielle, Alayna; great grandchildren, Spencer and Cooper; step grandchildren, Collin and Brooke Surface; along with many special nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Cheryl Rosenberger, long time friend and neighbor, for her friendship and support, along with numerous close friends that provided many laughs and memories throughout the years. Shirley will be remembered for her smile, wit, strength, strong will and need not want values that we will carry with us forever.
Memorial contributions in memory of Shirley are welcomed to the Canal Fulton Public Library or the Northwest Band Booster Association.
Funeral Service WEDNESDAY, 1 p.m. at the Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, 624 East Cherry St. (Rt. 93, Canal Fulton). Family will receive guests TUESDAY, from 12 Noon until 2 p.m. and WEDNESDAY, one hour prior to service. Shirley will be reunited with her husband John at Fairmount Memorial Park, Alliance. Swigart-Easterling, 330-854-2356 www.swigarteasterlingfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Raber-Heim
June 22, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Shirly's family. I fondly look back at seeing her while she worked at the bank with my dad, and always looked forward to seeing her in the concession stand. John Harriman
Marvin Dietrich
April 29, 2013
Dear Brad, Brian and family members. I really liked your mom. I remember opening up a savings account with her around 1970. My sympathies to all, she will be missed and was loved by all.
Sue Sabo, Sidelinker
April 25, 2013
Brian,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! May God Bless all of you..
Mary Anne Higgins
April 25, 2013
Dear Brad, Brian, and Beth,
When I started working at the Exchange Bank, I was in complete awe of your mom. I was amazed at the tremendous number of transactions she handled each day. Given that volume of business, I thought it was inevitable that she would make a mistake. Yet, her balance sheets were always perfect. She was also the only person I knew who could make people smile as they parted with huge sums of money. Two of the younger tellers and I were sure your mom was a Bank Goddess. We almost fell over our teller windows when your mom started joking around with us lowly bank beginners.
Your mom and I never stopped kidding around with each other. Through the years, I realized that your mom always proved the exception to the rule because she was an exceptional woman.
May you all be as blessed as I was to have known your mom.
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Linda Boyd
April 24, 2013
I will always remember the smile Shirley gave to me when I had my checking account at Apple Creek Bank in Canal Fulton. I had been, as she had on my feet all day, but she always smiled and said "Hello Linda". I will never forget her kindness and her warmth. God bless her family, and God bless you Shirley, on your new journey.
April 24, 2013
Dear Brad, Brian, Beth and families,
Shirley was a very dear friend
and I will miss her so much. I just know she is with your Dad and telling God he doesn,t have his money in his money draw correctly. Love you all. Arlene and Jake
Robyn
April 23, 2013
You are one very special lady, your laughter and smile warmed my heart. I consider it a privilege to have known you.
Michelle (Shelly) Mettler (Gwinn)
April 23, 2013
Brian,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Debbie Martin Schneider
April 23, 2013
Brad, Brian, Beth -
I'm so very sorry to hear about your mom. Our moms had a lot of great times together and created some wonderful memories for all of us. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jim Hopkins
April 23, 2013
Brian,
May God comfort you and your family during this difficult time. Your Mother leaves a legacy that I know you are proud of. I will be praying for you.
April 23, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I know losing a loved one is hard to go through, I will keep you in my prayers. May you draw close to God at this time,
Mark Farnsworth
April 22, 2013
Great lady, you will be miss @ every game!
the Carlsons
April 22, 2013
To the Heim family, may God bless you in your time of sorrow.
Victoria Neidert~Hammer
April 22, 2013
Your Mother was a wonderful lady who will be truly missed. What a blessing she was , with heartfelt sympathy and prayers
April 22, 2013
Remembering aunt Shirley and sending you all love and prayers.
DianaLynn
April 22, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April ingebo
April 22, 2013
My heart goes out to u all i no she's in wonderful place April
Donnie York
April 22, 2013
Jane and family, May you experience God's loving embrace and comfort during this time of loss.
Judie Westfall
April 22, 2013
I know you are in the arms of Jesus and of course John's too! We will sure miss the beautiful lady you are!
John & Debbie Triola
April 22, 2013
Jane and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Heaven received two angels this week. Bless you.
April 22, 2013
Heim family,
Very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She always had a smile on her face and was friendly to everyone. Your memories of her will be treasured forever.
Sincerely, Debbie Shields McMillin
Sally & Bob Phillips
April 22, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this most difficult time.
Cheryl R.
April 22, 2013
Godspeed dear friend.
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in Shirley Raber-Heim's name
Memorial Events
for Shirley Raber-Heim
Funeral services provided by:
Swigart Easterling Funeral Home - Canal Fulton624 Cherry Street East, Canal Fulton, OH 44614
How to support Shirley's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Shirley Raber-Heim's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
