Shirley Elizabeth Scott

1948 - 2023

URBANA – Shirley Elizabeth Scott, 74, of Urbana, a beloved teacher, mentor, daughter, sister, aunt and friend passed away on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023 at Mercy Health – Urbana Hospital.

She was born on Feb. 24, 1948 to the late Carleton and Esther (Maurice) Scott. Shirley's young and formative years gave her an early start as a teacher as she was the oldest of six siblings. She is survived by those siblings: Carolyn Leporini of Martinsburg, WV, Connie (Dennis) Plank of Humboldt, TN, Barbara (Michael) Sell of Urbana, Beverly (Daniel) Rambo of Oxford and Timothy (Amber) Scott of Ft. Smith, AR.

A devoted aunt, she is also survived by nieces and nephews: Joseph (Iliana) Leporini of Oro Valley, AZ, Christopher (Tiffany) Leporini of Northbrook, IL, Jason (Becky) Plank of Olive Branch, MS, Esther (David) Bledsoe of Hernando, MS, Shawn (Lindsey) Sell of Cincinnati, Joshua (Christina) Sell of Harrisburg, NC, Kelly (Joseph) Devaney of Concord, NC, Chelsea Rambo (Matthew Leuthold) of Rapid City, SD and Grace Rambo of Cincinnati.

Shirley also touched the lives of her great nieces and nephews: Scott, Kaelin, Marco, Leonardo, Ally, Jarrett, Grayson, Finnley, Elizabeth, Keegan, and Olivia.

In addition, Shirley is survived by uncles Richard Scott, Ernest Scott, Gail (Joyce) Scott and cousins too numerous to name.

Along with her family, Shirley is survived by dear friends Jane Sidders, Ingrid and Hubert Klimke and family, Becky Halterman, caregiver Danielle Lowman and her extended family of over 12,000 students she impacted during her remarkable teaching career.

She was preceded in death by her parents, along with brother-in-law Paul Leporini.

Shirley devoted her life to education and was never far from her beloved alma mater, Graham High School. After graduating from Graham in 1966, she received degrees in English and German from Otterbein University before returning to Graham in 1970. She later earned a Master of Arts in teaching, though it would be easy to argue she earned the distinction as a master teacher even without the advanced degree.

Over a career spanning 40 years up to her retirement in 2010, Shirley touched the lives of countless students in her German classes. Remembered by many as Frau Scott, Shirley taught generations of Graham students not only the German language, but many lessons to carry them through life. From 1976-2001, she organized a student exchange program with the Otto-Hahn-Gymnasium school in Springe, Germany, annually taking a group of her students to the European nation, while also welcoming German students to Graham.

Gifted in many areas, Shirley didn't slow down in her retirement. In addition to volunteering at the A.B. Graham Digital Academy, she also gave of her time to students looking for an extra hand in both high school and advanced levels of education. For the past several years, she also penned a weekly "Boomer Blog" for the Urbana Daily Citizen to rave reviews. Her over 400 articles were the product of countless hours of research and interviewing former students, family and community members. She also authored several alumni profiles for Otterbein's alumni magazine, Towers.

Shirley was involved in 4-H for most of her life, both as a member and later as an advisor for over 20 years. She served as president of the 4-H Home Ec Committee for several years as well as judging projects on the county level and was recognized as 4-H Girl of the Year and 4-H Advisor of the Year during her 4-H career.

With her generous and giving spirit, for several years Shirley cross-stitched a wall hanging for each new Habitat for Humanity house in the area. She also knitted hats and scarves annually for the less fortunate in the community.

What really set Shirley apart, though, was her inquisitive nature and love for connecting with people. Whether it be a visiting niece or nephew, a new member of the family, an old friend or former student, visitors could always expect well thought-out questions and lively conversation about the latest in their lives and the world from Shirley. Her home in Urbana was a regular visiting spot for many who knew and loved Frau Scott over the years.

In lieu of flowers, at Shirley's request, donations can be made to "Champaign County 4-H Committee," 1512 S. U.S. Highway 68, Suite B100, Urbana, OH 43078.

Visitation for Shirley will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023 in the auditorium of the Champaign County Government Center, 1512 S. U.S. Highway 68, Urbana, from 1-3 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at 3 p.m. with Shirley's dear cousin, Pastor Cheryl Siegenthaler officiating. Shirley will be laid to rest beside her parents at Rosedale Cemetery, Rosewood, in a private graveside service.

Services entrusted to VERNON FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, Ohio.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.