Shirley Anne Hoyer

Shirley Hoyer Obituary

After a courageous five-month battle against cancer, Shirley Anne Speicher Hoyer, age 62, died peacefully at home on April 24, 2009. She went home to Jesus surrounded by her family.

Shirley was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to all who knew and loved her.

Shirley was admired for her calm and sincere manner and known for her feisty sense of humor. Her words were always filled with compassion, strength, encouragement and wisdom.

Shirley's faith and commitment to Jesus Christ was evident in her daily life. She exemplified her life verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6).

Shirley was a graduate of Penn Bernville High School, Fort Wayne Bible College and Alvernia College.

Shirley was an elementary school teacher for the Tulpehocken Area School District for 38 years. She was a loving, yet stern teacher who made the classroom a rich and lively learning experience.

Shirley has influenced the lives of many, guiding thousands of children toward their future goals. She was deeply respected by both her students and colleagues. Shirley taught first grade, then sixth grade and retired in June 2008.

Shirley was the daughter of Erma M. (Welder) Speicher and the late Cyrus W. Speicher. She was born in Reading on May 30, 1946.

Shirley was the wife of Bruce C. Hoyer Jr., to whom she was married for 29 years.

Shirley is survived by two sons, Lt. Col. Sean M. Hoyer, and wife, Tracey, Clovis, N.M.; and Ryan J. Hoyer, and wife, Wendy, Lititz; and one daughter, Juleen M. Hoyer, Enola.

She has six grandchildren: Pierce, Georgia-Bryn and Rhett; Rebecca, Joshua and Rachel. { ok }

Shirley is also survived by two brothers, Richard C. Speicher, Hamilton, Ohio; and Dr. David W. Speicher, Berwyn; and two sisters, June E. (Speicher) Kramer, Shartlesville; and Mary L. (Speicher) Bashore, Bernville.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret L. Speicher.

Shirley was a member of the West Wyomissing Chapel, Wyomissing, where she served as a Good News and Vacation Bible School teacher. She attended Christ Little Tulpehocken Church, Bernville, where she was a Sunday school teacher and choir member for many years. She was a member of the Tulpehocken Education Association, Parent Teacher Organization, Pennsylvania State Education Association, Zock Committee, Professional Development Committee, K-12 Science Curriculum Committee and Principal Advisory Committee.

Shirley never spent more than a few moments sitting down. Her favorite pastimes were sawing firewood and gardening. Shirley was a passionate traveler, enamored with the wonders of God's creation.

Visitation will be at Kirkhoff Funeral Home, 206 N. Main St., Bernville, today from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held in Little Swatara Church of the Brethren, Rehrersburg, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, preceded by a period of visitation from 1 to 2 p.m. Burial in Christ Little Tulpehocken Church, Bernville, will follow the service.

Contributions may be sent to Greenview Bible Camp, 580 Fivepointville Road, Denver, PA 17517. Please visit the guest book at www.kirkhofffuneralhome.com.

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

Published by Reading Eagle on Apr. 25, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Hoyer

6 Entries

Carol Hess

April 27, 2009

Mrs Hoyer was a great teacher and I am so glad that my girls had her in school. She will be missed greatly.My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Treasure Lape

April 25, 2009

Mrs. Hoyer was a wonderful teacher and avid supporter of the Bethel PTO attending almost every meeting. She always was willing to give her opinion in a feisty, humorous way, which we appreciated. She was so dedicated to her profession, I'm only saddened to know that she didn't truly get a chance to enjoy much of a retirement which she deserved. I am very saddened that Mrs. Hoyer has passed but relieved to know her fight against cancer is over and she is now at peace with God. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Lori Keiser, High School Classmate

April 25, 2009

Dear Bruce & Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I was praying for a miracle for her recovery but it was not to be. She is finally free of pain. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Janet Balthaser

April 25, 2009

I am saddened to learn of the passing of Shirley. As a fellow teacher in Tulpehocken, our paths crossed occasionally. I will remember Shirley as a feisty lady and dedicated teacher.

Helen Kerschner

April 25, 2009

Dear June and family and the entire Hoyer family,
I am so sorry about your sister's passing. The Lord will take good care of her now, as you did when she was living. Take a day at a time. May God bless you all. With Love, Helen Kerschner

Denice Dodge

April 25, 2009

Hoyer Family,
I came across this poem and I immediately thought of all of you. Hope it helps.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)

I love You Shirley. Even though you may be gone from Earth, you are always going to be a part of life. I will truly miss you. Please remember that we will take good care of your family.
Love Denice, Tom, Sarah & Paige Dodge