Jo Pike

Shirley Josephine (Burton) Pike (03/13/1936 – 09/25/2025) was born to Arizona (nee Meece) and Otha Burton on Friday, March 13, 1936, in Windsor, Kentucky. She entered the world in a modest two-room house without running water or electricity, an environment that shaped her resilient and vibrant spirit. Shirley passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the age of 89.

Shirley graduated from Liberty High School, a milestone made possible after she convinced her father to drive a school bus, ensuring she and her friends could attend classes. In 1954, she met the love of her life, Charles Pike, through mutual friends. The couple married in 1955 and remained devoted to each other for 69 years, until Charles's passing in January of this year.

Shirley was the proud mother of four children: Pamela Susan (nee Pike) Flem, Patricia Carol (nee Pike) Brown, Philip Charles Pike, and Paul Glen Pike. She cherished her role as a mother and grandmother, always seeking out opportunities to take her family on new adventures. Shirley delighted in singing, playing games, and actively participating in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her presence brought a sense of peace and joy to family gatherings.

After her daughters left for college, Shirley began working as a cook for the Lakota School District, where she remained until her retirement. She worked in various elementary and middle schools, forming close bonds with several colleagues. These friendships endured, with the group meeting monthly for breakfast right up until her recent passing.

A gifted hostess, Shirley loved organizing large family gatherings and took pride in her culinary skills. For birthdays, she would make each family member their favorite cake or pie, always crafted to perfection. She enjoyed teaching her grandchildren how to cook, can, bake, and sew.

Shirley was an animal lover, caring for many pets throughout her life. Her last cat, Mary Rose, was a constant companion after Charles’s death, often found in her lap or sleeping beside her. Following Shirley’s passing, her son Paul welcomed Mary Rose into his home in Tennessee.

Playing games was another of Shirley’s joys, especially with friends and relatives. She favored games like Mexican Train and Scrabble. After retiring, she and Charles traveled extensively with friends, frequently joining bus tours to explore new destinations.

Shirley will be remembered for her zest for life, deep love for family and friends, and unwavering faith. She was devoted to God and the Church, where she formed many lifelong friendships. In her final months, attending church became the highlight of her week.

Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Bruce Pike, and her parents, Otha and Arizona (nee Meece) Burton. She is survived by her children: Pamela (Karl) Flem, Patricia (Kevin) Brown, Philip (Melissa) Pike, and Paul (Gaye) Pike; grandchildren: Kortney, Korinn, Kathleen, Kaleb, Amanda, Kendra, Nicole, Austin, Aubrey, and Garrison; and great-grandchildren: Jameson, Cole, Melanie, Lilian, Evelyn, Maximus, Vivian, Thor, Bjorn, Dagny, Addie, Benjamin, Harleigh, Bentley, Jackson, Easton, and Kasper. Shirley is also survived by her only brother, Gerald Burton, and several nieces.

Visitation will take place at 11:00 AM on September 30 at Hodapp Funeral Home in West Chester, Ohio, followed by funeral services at 12:00 PM. A graveside service will be held afterward.