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Shirley Robuck Obituary
Shirley was employed full time at the University of Evansville for over 25 years, where she retired in 1998. To be closer to her daughter and her family in 2001, she moved to Madison, Ala., where she began working part time as the morning receptionist for WAFF-TV 48. She quickly became a friend to many callers, who would recognize her voice immediately.
In 1995, Shirley received the first University of Evansville Staff Excellence Award for excellence in job performance, attitude, and distinguished service to the University of Evansville. During her time at the University, she served on many committees and loved working with the students. She is a retired member of the University of Evansville Office Staff Association, an active member in the Madison Senior Center, where she served on the Madison Senior Council. She loved people and animals, any kind of dancing, especially her line dancing, working in her yard, and enjoyed traveling on short trips. Shirley was of the Catholic faith.
Shirley was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Lucille and Elmer Barnhart; father, Paul O'Brien; stepsister, Peggy Barnhart; and her beloved dog, Sassy.
She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer; son-in-law, David Grzyb; and granddaughter, Kendall Grzyb, all of Madison, Ala.; half sister, Deborah Steuber, of Columbus, Ohio; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; her loving cat, Lucy; and all her friends, old and new.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 19, 2009, at 4 p.m. at Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel, 800 S. Hebron Ave., Evansville, IN. Burial will be held at a later date in the Greenfield Cemetery in Greenfield, Ohio.
Visitation will be held Saturday, September 19, 2009, from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.
By request from Shirley, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ark (animal) Shelter in Huntsville, or the animal shelter of your choice, or the Madison Senior Center in Madison, Alabama. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Robuck
September 20, 2009
Shirley and I were great friends from the day she began work at the University of Evansville...We worked together there for 18 years; and we were forever friends...She was a friend of all of my children and my husband, always interested in how their lives progressed...We always spoke for an hour on her birthday in July and my birthday in December, keeping in touch the rest of the year by notes and e-mails...I loved her and confided in her as if she were my sister. Jennifer and family, I am so devastated over beautiful Shirley's death...I am so glad she was part of my life for the time she was on earth.
Sincerely with great love, Rosemary Geiss
Danny & Debbie
September 20, 2009
Jennifer, Dave, and Kendall,
Shirley was very special to us. We enjoyed all of our times together during past holiday celebrations, especially most recently at your home in July. Her spirit lives on in all whose lives she touched.
Linda Page
September 19, 2009
Shirley was a beaming ray of sunshine that I was fortunate enough to have shine on my life and make it better.
Goodbye, dear friend..............
Jeannie Riley-Butcher
September 18, 2009
Jennifer, I knew Shirley for almost 60 years. She and my cousin, Marilyn Riley, became best friends in their freshman year of high school. She became a part of our family, attending holiday gatherings, weddings, visiting relatives, etc. A few weeks ago we became Face Book friends and I reminded her that I couldn't believe it had been 20 years since I had seen her. She visited me, along with my cousin Marilyn and my Aunt Elizabeth at my home for my son's wedding. Until then, I had not seen her since she had moved from Columbus but kept up through Marilyn. I know you and Kendall were the light of her life. As much as you, Kendall and Debbie will miss her, try to find comfort in knowing she is in a wonderful place with lots of people who love her and she will always be with you. She was a beautiful person.
Sue Campbell
September 18, 2009
Shirley will be deeply missed at the Eagles. When she saw someone learning new steps during the break, she would come up to see if she could pick the steps up. She was such a wonderful lady. My heart and prayers go out to Jennifer and family during this difficult time. We miss Shirley
God Bless
Letricia Ogutu
September 17, 2009
Shirley always had a kind smile and a kind word to share whenever I saw her. My sincere condolences to her family during this difficult time.
Renita Mills-King
September 17, 2009
She was such a sweet woman and will always be in my heart. I worked with her at WAFF and she always had my best interest in mind being that I was in college. She always had some sort of activity to attend when I arrived to relieve her of her duties. A busy woman she was. I pray that the family be blessed and keeps her memory alive.
Libby (Goad) Rinehart
September 17, 2009
Jennifer, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Words cannot express my sympathy for you all. It has been so many years since I have seen you but I remember you looking so much like your mom. I was just a young girl when we lived in East Gate subdivision in Boonville but I remember your family so vividly. I am so very sorry for your loss and pray the Lord will comfort you during this time. Matthew 11:28 reads, "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." God Bless You ~
Shirley Granado
September 17, 2009
Shirley, was a wonderful,kind and friendly person.
I first met her at our line dance class and as soon as we meet I knew she was a very special person.
My heart goes out to her family for their loss, but just remember she will always be with you in your heart.
Lisa Cannon
September 16, 2009
Jennifer, Dave and Kendall,
Our prayers and hearts are with you during this very sad time. Always know that a Mothers love NEVER leaves you and you were her greatest blessings:)
Pat and Lisa Cannon
Theresa (Ice) Lamb
September 16, 2009
Just reading the article about Shirley brought tears to my eyes. I worked with Shirley from 1975-1978 in the Vice President for Academic Affairs office at U of E while a student there. After I left there, Shirley and I kept in touch and went to lunch from time to time. I knew both Kim and Jennifer and always asked about them when I would see Shirley. I have pictures of Shirley at my bridal shower in 1978. God bless Jennifer and her family! Jennifer, your mother loved you very much! My heart goes out to all of Shirley's family and friends (both in Alabama and in Evansville). I will always hold a special place in my heart for Shirley. She was a true JOY to work with and a wonderful friend!
Karen Mabbitt
September 16, 2009
Our Thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Mabbitts
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