Shirley Jane Boehlke

1935 - 2021

Boehlke, Shirley Jane KNOX Shirley Jane Boehlke (Overbaugh) gained her angel wings suddenly on May 31, 2021, at home. She was born on October 21, 1935, in Schenectady to Clarence Overbaugh and Evelyn (Edward) Rowe (Joslin). She lost her father, Clarence, at a young age. Her mother married Edward Rowe and he raised her as his own. She married the love of her life, Orville, on October 4, 1953. They settled in Ravena and raised four children. Shirley had a few different jobs in her life. She drove school bus for many years and was immensely proud of it. She worked at the Altamont Fair in the office alongside her family. Shirley worked for the Town of Coeymans as the deputy town clerk and retired from the town as the confidential secretary to the supervisor. Shirley enjoyed camping, traveling, bowling, crocheting and knitting. Her family meant everything to her and could usually be found gathered at her home on Sundays enjoying her home cooked meals. She enjoyed attending all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren's events and activities. Shirley enjoyed bowling with her friends and passed on that love to her children and grandchildren. She traveled all over the state competing in bowling tournaments with her team. Shirley and Orville loved to travel and went everywhere. From camping trips out west with their four children to cruises and bus trips. She traveled until her health would not allow it. She loved to crochet and knit blankets, sweaters, bonnets, booties and mittens and would do so for any new baby that was arriving in her family. In December 2019, she came to live with her granddaughter, Aileen, and her family in Knox. She enjoyed spending the last year and a half of her life watching her first great-great-granddaughter, Saliah, grow. Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Orville P. Boehlke; her son, Lance R. Boehlke; her parents, Clarence Overbaugh and Evelyn and Edward Rowe; her sister and brother-in-law, Roberta and Reid Northrup; her sister, Patricia Rapp, and an infant grandson. Shirley is survived by her daughter, Shirley "Lee" J. (Stephen) Fourman; her sons, Orville P. Boehlke Jr. and Edward G. (Darcy) Boehlke; her daughter-in-law, Ronna Smith; her brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Patricia Overbaugh; her brother-in-law, Richard Rapp; her grandchildren, Michael (Christina) Fourman, Jason Fourman, Christopher (Debra) Fourman, Edward Boehlke Jr., Orville (Jennifer) Boehlke III, Adam Smith, Daniel Smith, Aileen (Joshua) Gebe, Tanya (Joshua) Velonis and Joshua (Jenna) Boehlke; as well as 28 great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, many cousins, nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the first responders who came in her hour of need and for doing all that they could for Shirley. A small, private viewing will be held at Babcock Funeral Home in Ravena with a burial service to follow for her family and close friends. She will eternally be laid to rest in the South Berne Cemetery with her husband.