Shirley Semler

Shirley Mae Semler, 79, died Tuesday, January 21, 2014, in Cumming, Georgia. A native of Kettering, Ohio, Shirley was the daughter of the late C.W. and Florence Detrick, and after Florence's passing, Elizabeth Detrick. Shirley's family was a musical one with both her father and brother being band directors. Shirley played the Oboe in concert band at her high school. She graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Education and was a teacher. She taught Kindergarten and Transitional First Grade. In 1958 she married Jack W. Semler and with their three boys they moved to Athens in 1968 when Jack opened the Reliance Electric Plant there. Over the years they would go to Ohio often to visit with family, but Athens was their home. In addition to watching the Dawgs play, Shirley and Jack enjoyed their cocktail and Bridge groups.
Shirley was stricken with MS nearly 40 years ago. She was confined to a wheelchair, but that never stopped her. It seemed that everywhere she would go in Athens someone would know her, and Shirley loved nothing better than to stop and chat. She loved shopping and going out to lunch or dinner. The Semler house in Athens was always a gathering place, football games were loudly enjoyed by all, afterwards there was always a game of cards, rumm-i-kub or dominoes. Shirley loved to have her family over and always had snacks on hand…her specialties were DooDads, Wacky Cake and cookies. Shirley was an amazing baker. Once you were around Shirley, you would forget that she was in a wheelchair because she had an amazing spirit and enjoyed life to the fullest. Shirley never complained about anything and always maintained a bright and cheerful outlook. She will be deeply missed by her loving family.
Shirley is pre-deceased by her husband Jack W. Semler; brother, Donald Detrick; and many of her friends from Athens. Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law: John & Tricia of Marietta, Bill & Loree of Tampa, Florida, and Jim & Julie of Cumming. Grandchildren: John, Susie, William, Caroline, Katie and Sara; as well as many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank her caregiver, Renee Parton.
Shirley's life will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 25th, at Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory; 210 Ingram Ave.; Cumming, GA 30040. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation; National Headquarters; Donations; 6520 North Andrews Ave.; Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309-2130.
Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be made at www.ingramfuneralhome.com.