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1928
2018
Shirley Marilyn
Bokhart
Dec. 1, 1928 - Jan. 19, 2018
MISHAWAKA - Shirley Marilyn Bokhart passed away peacefully on Friday, January 19, 2018 at her daughter's home in Canton, Ohio, with immediate family at her side. She was the daughter of Evart and Florence (Kling) Gordon and born in Madison Township on December 1, 1928. She has two sisters, Jean Freed and Joyce Whitehead (deceased). She married Arthur C. Bokhart (deceased) on February 18, 1950, and together they are loved by five children and their spouses, including Jackie (Bokhart) McKew of North Las Vegas, Nevada, Gordon and Beth Bokhart of Ft. Wayne, Tom Bokhart of Camarillo, California, Lora (Bokhart) and Kip Smith of Canton, Ohio, and Chris and Cindy Bokhart of Downers Grove, Illinois. She is adored by eight grandchildren: David Bokhart, Jason McKew, Amanda Stevenson, Nicholas Bokhart, Kristen Horton, Brian Bokhart, Kimberly Kramer, and Rachel Mayer; and 19 great-grandchildren: Alex Simerman, Paxton Simerman, Jaxon Simerman, Jennifer Stevenson, Moses Stevenson, Megan Stevenson, Noelle Mayer, Elise Mayer, Brady Horton, Travis Mayer, Xavery Bokhart, Bexleigh Bokhart, Evelyn Kramer, Kinsie Bokhart, Conner Horton, Madeline Horton, Moxie Bokhart, Skylar Bokhart, and Lillian Kramer.
Shirley graduated from the St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in 1949 and spent more of her nursing career at the old St. Joesph Hospital in Mishawaka in the delivery room and nursery, doing what she loved - caring for and giving to others.
She had a great love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. With too many stories to tell, her grandchildren will always remember her for the following: passing on unwritten family recipes that included directions such as adding “just enough” of a key ingredient; and sending care packages to them at college containing chex mix and chocolate chip cookies, which were mostly in crumbs by the time they arrived. She also had Art put in a swimming pool for them when she did not like water and could not swim. She loved taking the granddaughters out for ice cream in their dress up princess clothes. She never missed a grandchild's performance, even when she and Art had to drive for hours to watch a 15 second performance in a play. Her children will always remember her for her care, compassion, never-ending support, and fondness for Cheetos.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 1:00 pm in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka. Burial will follow at South Union Cemetery near Nappanee. Friends may spend time with Shirley's family Wednesday morning from 10:00-12:30 at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th St., Mishawaka.
In lieu of flowers please send memorials to the Foundation of Saint Joseph Health System, Mishawaka Maternal Child Services.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hahn Funeral Home.
3 Entries
The Bokhart family,
We are so sorry for your loss, our love and prayers are with all of you.
David and Kristie Hemmerlein
January 23, 2018
Chris, Cindy and Family,
I am sorry to hear about your mother.
She was wonderful to me in the hospital
when I had Cassie. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Pam (Mayfield) McCartney
January 22, 2018
We are so sorry for your loss and our prayers go out to the whole family. My name is Rose and I grew up next door to Art and Shirley and babysat for the children. They were wonderful neighbors and a big help for my aging parents. I will always remember them fondly.
Rose (VanBelleghem) Sheneman
January 22, 2018
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