Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1932
DIED
2018
Shirley Century Obituary
Shirley Bellowe Century, 85, passed away on February 26, 2018, in the privacy of her home in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Shirley (Ekus) was born on September 24, 1932 in Akron, Ohio, and raised her family spending much of her life in Akron. Her parents were Hyman Ekus (who was one of the founders of Anshe Sfard Revere Road Synagogue) and Martha Ekus. Shirley was very active with a variety of Jewish organizations in Akron. In addition to raising a family, Shirley wrote a book on touring in Akron, and ran a touring business which was featured in a magazine article in Better Homes and Garden.
Shirley is best known for her avant-garde and alternative approaches to life. She studied and experimented with hypnotherapy, astrology, and was an avid believer in enneagrams. She studied at the Gestalt Institute, EST and attended numerous conferences around the country on a multitude of topics, often with her sister-in-law Esther Ekus (deceased 2006). Shirley always had an impact on people, from family to friends to complete strangers, she was loved by all.
Shirley married Stanley Bellowe in 1952 and they had four sons and were married for 35 years. Howard (Jackie) Bellowe, Gary (Margaret) Bellowe, Mitch (deceased in 2009), and Tod (Lisa) Bellowe.
Shirley has nine grandchildren, Julia Bellowe, Leah McCune, Kara Levy, Ilana Neenan, Gabriel Bellowe, Nathan Bellowe, Lindsey Bellowe, Lily Bellowe, and Macallister Bellowe. Shirley has one greatgrandchild, Riley McCune.
Shirley remarried (and is survived by) Theodore Century in 2000 and together they lived in Boise, Idaho, before moving to Scottsdale, Arizona in 2013.
Shirley is survived by her brother, Harvey Ekus and his wife, Delores Weintraub.
The graveside funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 2, 2018 at Anshe Sfard Cemetery, 310 Swartz Road in Akron, Ohio 44319 (http://www.akronshul.com/cemetery)
Shiva (and lunch) will be held at the home of family friends Stuart and Sheri Glauberman, which is Shirley's former home at 2514 Yellow Creek Road, Akron, Ohio 44333 immediately following the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to Shirley's Memorial Fund at either the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI)
https://ifundraise.nami.org/campaign/Shirley-Bellowe-Century-NAMI-Memorial-Fund
or to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation
https://fundraise.ccfa.org/Shirley-Bellowe-Century-CCFA-Memorial-Fund
Condolences to the family may be left on Shirley's online memorial website at www.legacy.com (under Shirley Century).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Century
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
John and Nancy Briggs
March 8, 2018
Ted, we were so sorry to hear about Shirley's passing. We remember both of you with great fondness. You were great neighbors on Riverbend and we remember you both as lively and fun-loving people. Shirley will be greatly missed.
Rory O'Connor
March 4, 2018
Shirley was a dear friend to Sisti, me and our daughters, as are you, Ted. When Shirley married you, she opened her heart to us in friendship as well. We have so many treasured memories of our shared times together. Shirley's devotion to family and the warmth of her friendship are foremost, and also the shared camping trips and fun travels around the Idaho back country. It was always nice seeing Tod on his visits to Boise, too.
You and Shirley are in our thoughts and prayers, Ted, and all of Shirley's family.
Chris Brady
March 3, 2018
Ted, I'm sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. My thoughts are with you.
March 2, 2018
Ted and my friendship predates Shirley's arrival. The true measure of Shirley's love and warmth was the changes I witnessed in Ted after their wedding. Truly lives well lived. To Ted and both families, know that you are in our thoughts during this time.
Love and Peace
John & Kathy Rausch Boise
March 1, 2018
We are so sorry for family's loss, Howard. She was such a positive force and person. You are in our thoughts and hearts. Janet and Cory Croyle
Catherine Rushton
March 1, 2018
So sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. I will always remember her with great fondness and respect. She was a lovely lady and a great neighbor, so full of life and kindness. She will be greatly missed by many. Condolences to the whole family. Best wishes
Bret Vaterlaus
March 1, 2018
Ted:
So sorry to hear of your loss. You and Shirley are in my fond memories from Rotary while you were in Boise. I wish you and your family the best through a difficult time.
March 1, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort help you through this difficult time.
Herbie Stein
February 28, 2018
Our sincere condolences to the Ekus Family on the recent passing of Shirley. Our families all grew up around the Anshe Sfard Synagogue first on Raymond St., Copley Rd. and later on Revere Rd. I remember her Father leading dances at my Bar Mitzvah and using his infamous whistle to gather everyone. Shirley was right behind leading the charge.
Best whishes to Harvey and Delores.
Herbie and Sally Stein
Erin Rausch
February 28, 2018
Ted, I want you to know that I've looked up to you two for years. To the whole family, I'm sorry for your loss and please know every memory I have of Shirley was that of welcome. May peace be upon you all at this time. With Love...
February 27, 2018
My sincere condolences to your family. May God's promise comfort and sustain you during this difficult time. John 6:40.
TJ
February 27, 2018
May the God of peace give comfort, support and bless the family during this difficult time of grief. Please accept my sincere condolences. Rom.15:33
Shelly Levy
February 27, 2018
Thoughts and prayers to Ted and the rest of Shirleys family. Ted and Shirley were the first people I met when I moved to Boise and Shirley was always so warm and welcoming. She was certainly missed when they left Boise.
Ginger Leonard
February 27, 2018
Sending prayers to you and your memories of a bright and beautiful soul.
Eric Mack
February 27, 2018
May the Omnipresent comfort you amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Mitchell Cohen
February 27, 2018
Thoughts and prayers to Howard and all your family at this time of great loss and celebration of your wonderful Mother.
Mary
February 26, 2018
Was a sweet lady.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Shirley Century's name
Memorial Events
for Shirley Century
How to support Shirley's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Shirley Century'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
