Shirley June Firestone

Shirley June (Derr) Firestone passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home early this morning (December 13, 2011). She was surrounded by her loving family and her faithful and loving husband at her side when she passed. Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 53 years Ralph W. Firestone and four loving children, Dr. Ralph W. Firestone Jr., Mr. Christopher Firestone, Mrs. Heather Perritano, and Mr. Howard E. Firestone II, and 12 grandchildren. Shirley was the daughter of Mr. Walter Derr and Mrs. Pansy (Kitchen) Derr and was raised in Logan, Ohio. She was an only child. Shirley graduated from Ohio University in June 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She was married to Ralph W. Firestone on August 17th, 1958. They raised their family in Salem, Ohio while working in the family business (Firestone Electric Company) and teaching school. After graduation Shirley formed and created the first "COE" cooperative office education program in the state of Ohio. She was selected by the State of Ohio for the development of this program. Her students were mostly young ladies who admired Shirley for her dedication and support of this program. She raised four wonderful children and is blessed with 12 grandchildren who were a source of joy and happiness for Shirley. Shirley was an accomplished pianist and performed in many churches throughout her life. She was a past president and board member of the YWCA in Salem, Ohio. She was extremely active in the Salem Community Theater and worked with high school students in the development of the Theater program. Shirley and Ralph retired in the Ft. Myers area in 1995 and have maintained residence for the past 16 years. Ralph will continue the music heritage as he plays his music and stays active in the community. Shirley was a wonderful mother, wife, and daughter. Our family will miss Shirley very much and our love will always be with her throughout all our lives. We know that she is looking down on us and will be our guardian angel as we move forward. God Bless Shirley and her family. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2011 from 4:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. at Park Alliance Church 7469 San Carlos Blvd. Ft. Myers, FL. Funeral services will be at 6:30 P.M. and a reception will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to Park Alliance Church, P.O. Box 1135, Estero, FL 33928. Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park 334-4880