Shirley Jean Bauman

Shirley Jean (Cox) Bauman April 19, 1935 – October 15, 2025
Shirley Jean (Cox) Bauman, age 90, of Wooster, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on October 15, 2025.
Born on April 19, 1935, in Ashland, Ohio, Shirley was the daughter of the late Roland and Dorothy Cox. Shirley was a lifelong resident of the area, a proud 1953 graduate of Wooster High School, and a member of the United Methodist Church.
A devoted community member, Shirley was actively involved in numerous civic and social organizations throughout her life. She was a proud member of the Eastern Star, White Shrine, Republican Women, Bridge Club, and Rainbow Girls. During her son Ray's time in Scouts, she also served as a dedicated Cub Scout Leader, exemplifying her commitment to family and service.
Shirley was a familiar face around the Wooster area, having worked at Wm Annat Co., Frito-Lay, and later the Buehlah Bechtel Dress Shop. She dedicated many years of service to Wayne County, retiring from the Wayne County Recorder Office. She cared for and nurtured countless children in her home day care, many of whom remained part of her extended family long after they outgrew her care.
Shirley spent the last four years of her life at West View Healthy Living in Wooster, where she was deeply loved and received outstanding care. The staff there became like extended family, offering Shirley not only excellent medical support but also compassion, companionship, and dignity.
In her final months, Shirley was comforted by the incredible team at Wooster Hospice LifeCare. Their attentive, gentle care provided immense peace to both Shirley and her family. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the hospice staff for their unwavering kindness, comfort, and support during a time of great need.
She is survived by her loving children: David (Carol) Gray of Wooster, Susan (Lawrence) Walker of Wooster, Ray (AnnMarie) O'Daffer of Nashville, TN, and Son-in-law Ted Rehard of Wooster. She was a beloved grandmother to Tiffany (Ben) Van Zile,Ted (Marlena) Rehard, Tim (Curt) Rehard, Avery (Caitlyn) Gray, Logan (Haley) Walker, Lauren (Tyvis) Powell, Kathleen (Patrick) Williams, Zara O'Daffer, Ray Lewis (Jenna) O'Daffer, and Jack O'Daffer. Shirley was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Lillian Van Zile, Leiliani Powell, Milani Jo Powell, Calum Gray, Finley Gray, Mason Williams, and Corbin Williams.
She is also remembered by her stepchildren: Jeff (Barb) Bauman, Dave (Kelly) Bauman, Chris (Marcie) Bauman and step-daughter-in-law Michelle Bauman, along with many cherished step-grandchildren. She is survived by her sister-in-law Lois Beres and brother-in-law Harold (Sharon) Bauman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Kenneth Bauman and Ray L. O'Daffer and former husband Donald Gray, daughter Marcie Jo Rehard, infant son Douglas, sister Marilyn A. Lee, stepson Mark Bauman, and stepdaughter Melinda Bauman.
A Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, 2:00 pm at Custer-Glenn Funeral Home in Wooster with Pastor Kirk Fairhurst officiating.
Visitation for family and friends will be one hour prior (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm) to services at the funeral home. The family suggests contributions to either: Ohio's Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, Ohio 44691 or The Chaplaincy Fund or Employee Assistance Fund, both C/O Westview Healthy Living, 1715 Mechanicsburg Rd., Wooster, Ohio 44691.
Condolences may be shared with the family at: www.custerglenn.com.
She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.