Shirley Austin

Shirley R. Austin, 90, died on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Morgantown on January 12, 1935, a daughter of the late Ernest R. "Vic" and Nelle Shahan Reckart.
She is survived by her two children, Bonnie (Richard)Wood and their children, Jacob and Morgan Wood and her daughter Ameria; Jeffrey (Cherie) Austin and their children, Katie and Elizabeth (Philip) Olivier and their sons, Parker and Elliot and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, J. Dale Austin who died on January 10, 1999, her grandson Jacob Wood who died July 24, 2012; sister, Evelyn "Tunney" Reckart; and twin sisters in infancy; and her brother Harry and his wife, Mary Ann Reckart.
She graduated from Morgantown High School in 1952, and Morgantown Business College in 1954. She worked for 10 years at WVU, and 34 years from the USDA-Soil Conservation Service where she retired in 1994.
She loved camping with her family and friends, reading, needlework, and being with her grandchildren and family. She attended Goshen Baptist Church. All her adult life she volunteered with many community agencies. She was a 4-H leader for 10 years, and is a life member of the 4-H all stars. She served as secretary treasurer of the Monongalia County 4-H Foundation. She was a 68-year member of the community education outreach services (CEOS). This was originally the farm women's club. She served on the Mon. County council as Vice president 2 years, and council president for 4 years. She served as elected member of the state council for 2 years. She served on educational committees in both the state and county. She was chosen outstanding club member in 1999-2002.
She was elected to the Monongalia County Republican Committee. She was also a member of the "Almost Heaven Red Hat Society". She was a member of the Smithtown Senior Citizens and also The Chestnut Hill Senior Chestnuts.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Shirley's memory to Amedisys Hospice, by mailing a check to: 3596 Collins Ferry Road Suite 250 Morgantown, WV 26505.
Friends may gather on Friday, November 21, 2025 from 2pm until 7pm and again on Saturday from 10 am until the 11 am service time with Pastor Dan Meadows officiating. A complete obituary can be found and online condolences may be extended to the family at www. McCulla.com