Shirley Ann Root

Shirley Ann Root, 78, of Bath Township, died Wednesday, November 27, 2013.
Shirley was born to the late John and Mary Stano, Oct. 10, 1935, in Massillon, Ohio and resided in Bath most of her life. She graduated from Kent State University in 1957, and married David Emerson Root in 1962. Shirley was a middle school English teacher before raising her family, then later worked in retail sales and for an inventory service until she retired. She proudly served with the Summit County Board of Elections for 46 years, and volunteered for Summit County Metro Parks.
She had a remarkable knack for connecting with people, whether with a new member of her seniors' group or someone behind her in line at Acme. She genuinely liked people and never judged them. She always wanted to help, and her curious nature rarely got her into trouble; perhaps that's why she never had a gray hair. She was not afraid to try something new and always chose an adventure over housework.
Shirley was devoted to learning, as both a student and a teacher. She learned to sketch at age 76 and regularly distributed homemade scavenger hunt puzzles to kids embarking on a hike. She once got in trouble for teaching A Midsummer Night's Dream because it wasn't in the curriculum. She insisted that her children would speak proper English, threatening them with "the Queen's going to chop off your head!" They could check out as many library books as they wanted. If something was "needed for school" it was always in the budget. She read the Beacon Journal every day.
She was a talented photographer and artist, and her own toughest critic. For Shirley, pie crust was an art form. She loved spending a day at a film festival, and always watched movies with excellent reviews no matter the subject. Her popcorn had extra butter.
One of Shirley's cherished trips was to Slovakia, to the town where her grandparents were born; another was the 50th Wedding Anniversary trip to Hocking Hills with her family. Her travels also included: Alaska, China, Ireland, Costa Rica, Italy, Spain, Panama, and Morocco. She enjoyed her many senior-group bus trips just as much.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and brother Robert. She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, David, and three children: Scott (Michele) of Montville Township; Stacey (Jen) of Boulder, Colorado; and Todd of Boulder, Colorado.
Friends will be received at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel on Monday from 4-7 PM. Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at Bethel Lutheran Church, 3852 Everett Road, with Reverend Dr. Byron Arledge officiating, friends will be received at the church one hour prior to the service. If friends wish, memorials may be made to the Richfield, Bath or Kenmore Senior Groups.
. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel 330-867-4141)