Shirley Biddle
Shirley A. Biddle, 85, Thorp, passed away at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021. Private family burial will be held in Butler Cemetery, rural Thorp, with a memorial service at Missionary Baptist Church in Greenwood at a later date.
Shirley Ann Spangler was born on June 17, 1936, in True, W.V., the daughter of James H. and Grace G. (nee Dodd) Spangler. She was raised and educated in the True area, and graduated from Shady Springs High School in 1954. After completing high school, Shirley attended the Medical College of Richmond, Va., receiving her certification as a radiology technician, and later receiving additional training at Knoxville Medical Hospital. Shirley was united in marriage to Clarence F. “Jim” Biddle on Feb. 2, 1957, at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Milwaukee. They lived in Milwaukee until moving to Thorp in 1976. Shirley then worked for Dr. James Connolly until retiring in 1998. Shirley was her family’s biggest cheerleader. She was always up for doing fun things; from shopping and exploring town, to going down the slide at the park with her grandkids and great-grandkids. Shirley remembered every special day for her kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and the dear neighbor kids. She absolutely delighted in the children in her life. Shirley loved last-minute visits with her granddaughter Gianna, and was well known for always having a hot meal available regardless of what time you showed up to her home. Time with her was never taken for granted. She was charismatic and brought sunshine into the room with her contagious laughter; the best laughs came because she was so mischievous! She would frequently surprise us with her amazing sense of humor. Shirley was always optimistic and full of joy. She was graceful, classy, and always looked beautiful and put together! We will never forget her beautiful voice. She would perfectly harmonize in church during worship and brought joy to everyone sitting in the pew around her because of her talented voice and passion for Christ.
Her farm was the place that many of the kids in her family spent their summers, and now those memories are deeply cherished. Many important life lessons were taught there about the value of life, self-dependence, and sustainability. She had a perfectly manicured garden and passed down her green thumb to her daughter. She would let her grandkids have fresh rhubarb pie and ice cream in place of supper sometimes. Her kitchen always had something good cooking in it, and always made from scratch. Her closets full of sewing fabrics and acres of land around the farm were some of her grandkids’ favorite playgrounds. She was patient, kind, and she was dependable. Shirley was a hard worker and immensely loyal. Her strength was passed down through the women in her family and will continue to do so in the next generation. She had a servant’s heart and lived wholly for Jesus. You saw Him through the way she lived. Everyone who knew Shirley was a big part of her life because she genuinely loved and cared for people. She had a true heart for others and served selflessly with joy. If she knew you, she prayed for you. Her faith was unfailing and was nothing short of inspiring. She is incredibly missed, but we know she’s in Jesus’s arms now. Well done, good and faithful servant. Shirley was an active member of Missionary Baptist Church in Greenwood.
She is survived by her three children: Pam (Billy) Chewning of Lawton, Okla., Dawn (Ted) Tabbert of Phelps, and Mark (Jean) Biddle of Thorp; eight grandchildren: Gregory Chewning, Kaelynn (James) Culler, Krista (Christian) Johnston, Therese Tabbert, Samuel Tabbert, Gianna Tabbert, Derek (Kimberly) Johnson, and Jamie (Jason) Rymer; 15 great-grandchildren: Gavin, Alyssa, Rylee, Angelina, William, Selah, Gideon, Lexi, Natalie, Milani, Titan, Ethan, Bennett, Everett, and Brycen: her sisters-in-law: Ruth Spangler-Kephart of True, W.V., and Betty (Dennis) Moskiewicz of Rockport, Texas; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim, on Sept. 28, 2019; one sister, Janet Spangler Holmquist Peterson; and one brother, Chip Spangler.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.
Thorp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
PAID OBITUARY 112081
