Shirley Sankey

Shirley Sankey obituary, Hermitage, PA

Shirley Sankey

Shirley Sankey Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by John Flynn Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. on Oct. 1, 2025.

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Shirley Sankey was born at home in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania on April 11, 1930, to Elmer G and Mary E (McKenzie) Swogger. Shirley lived her childhood life in Sharon, PA, and graduated from Sharon High in 1948. Her career as Registered Nurse began at Sharon General Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in the class of 1951. Shirley worked at various hospitals in the valley including Sharon Medical Clinic (Sharon General), Youngstown Saint Elizabeth Hospital, Youngstown Trumbull Memorial Hospital and Shenango Valley Osteopathic Hospital (SVOH). Shirley contributed 22 years of service at SVOH before retiring in 1985.
Shirley raised her children in the 60s, 70s and 80s (Billy, Susan, Pat and Deuce) in Sharpsville while working full time as a nurse. She made time to attend school activities and always celebrate a summer vacation with her family.
Shirley was a member of Sharon First Presbyterian Church for more than 60 years and served many committees including Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and funeral dinner ministry.
Later years, she volunteered with Meals on Wheels over 10 years. Shirley participated in local women's Golf and Bowling leagues. There were many trips to visit the children and grandchildren which rounded out her life. Now it's time to Rest In Peace.
Shirley married to H. William (Bill) Sankey on October 3, 1952, who proceeded her in death in 2005. She was also preceded in death by her son H. William (Billy) Sankey in 2013 and her brother Evan (Bud) Swogger in 2023.
Shirley is survived by her sister Mary Ellen (Swogger) Foltz and sister in-law Carole Swogger.
She is survived by three children: Susan Ford (Jack), James Patrick Sankey (Joyce), Michael Deuce Sankey (Stevie) and daughter-in-law Kathleen Sankey.
There are seven grandchildren: Steven (Jennie and daughter Annie) Stewart, Elizabeth (Andy) Ruud and sons Oliver, Henry and Milo), Kyle Sankey, Shannon Sankey, Preston Farmer and Emily Sankey (Dominic and Victoria) and many nieces and nephews.
The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to Buhl Park, 715 Hazen Rd, Hermitage, PA 16148 or a charity of one's choice.
Shirley's Celebration of Life
Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025
Location: First Presbyterian Church of Sharon, 600 E State Street, Sharon PA 16146
Calling Hours: 2:00 - 3:30 PM
Memorial Service 3:30 - 4:30 PM
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Shirley Sankey, please visit our Tree Store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

John Flynn Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.

2630 East State Street, Hermitage, PA 16148

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