Obituary of Charlotte Shrigley, 86

Charlotte L. Shrigley, 86, of Mechanicsburg, PA, beloved mother , sister, aun11 grandmother, great­ grandmother and friend, went to be with Jesus her Savior, on Saturday, April 29, 2017. Charlotte L. Merckle was born November 10, 1930, in New Matamoris, Ohio, daughter of Manford and Pearl Merckle.

While attending Ohio University, she met her college sweetheart, Robert L. Shrigley. After his return from the Korean Conflict, they were married September 2, 1952. Both were gifted educators. Charlotte taught at Bearfield School at Six Mile Turn, Ohio, until the birth of their first child, Sharon L. She then chose to become a full-time homemaker, and they were soon blessed with two more children: Robert L. Jr., and Melanie S. Bob taught fifth grade at Rufus Putnam Elementary School in Athens, Ohio. Each summer they would take their children on fun and fascinating educational field trips throughout Ohio and Kentucky. In the early sixties, Ohio University sponsored the USAID program. Notable public school teachers would be invited to teach for two years in a developing nation. Bob was asked to participate, and in February, 1964, the entire family flew to their most adventurous field trip ever: a two year stay in Kano, Nigeria, West Africa. While Bob taught fifth grade science to Nigerian male aspiring teachers, Charlotte home schooled her children, managed four African house assistants, made delectable pies and other dishes, and cultivated several beautiful flower gardens in the near desert conditions . The electricity would routinely shut off many early evenings. They had to adjust to the pale candle light, and the whole family soon learned to pull their feet up high on their chairs to avoid scorpions and other creepy crawlers. A masterful child disciplinarian, Charlotte then kept her squirming children busy by teaching them to sing in harmony to hymns and American folk songs (such as “This Land is Your Land”). (Many years later, Charlotte, her daughters, and her son-in-law Guy Cosentino, would form a family singing group.) When they returned to the States, Bob achieved his dream of completing his PhD and taught elementary science to education majors at Penn State University in State College, PA. Charlotte dearly loved being a home maker. When Bob invited groups of students to visit their home, Charlotte cooked awesome meals. She taught Bible studies in long term care facilities and in one facility, lovingly cared for a greenhouse of plants. Her ready, quick wit, her “young at heart” outlook, her servant attitude, and her delightful, humorous, original poetry, filled their home with much joy and laughter.

Late in her life, when she and her daughters went on trips, she would always say, “We will make it fun.” Only Eternity will reveal all the people she touched with her deeply committed faith in Christ. She exemplifies the Proverbs 31 woman:

Proverbs 31:10 and 30b…”Who can find a virtuous woman? For her worth is far above rubies…a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”

Preceding Charlotte in death are Manford and Pearl Merckle (parents), Robert Shrigley (husband), Richard Merckle (brother), Susan Merckle (sister-in-law), Robert Shrigley, Jr. (son), Lynn Shrigley (nephew-in-law) and Guy Cosentino (son-in-law).

Charlotte leaves behind Sharon Cosentino and Melanie Wolfe (daughters), Olive Merckle (sister-in-law), Manford Merckle, Jr. (brother) and spouse Gladys, William Merckle (brother), Carolyn Parkerson (sister), Ronald Merckle (brother) and spouse Barbara, Philip Merckle (brother) and spouse Tana. Charlotte also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm Thursday, May 4, 2017 at the Oaks Terrace Community room at Bethany Village, 5225 Wilson Lane, Mechanicsburg, PA. Friends will also be received from 11 am until noon, Saturday, May 6, 2017, at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 1934 Benner Pike, State College. The funeral will be at 2:00 p. m. Saturday, May 6, 2017, at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA with the Reverend Brand Eaton officiating. Burial will follow in Centre County Memorial Park, State College.

Flower gifts are gratefully declined. Instead, please consider donating to either: Bethany Village Assurance Fund, 325 Wesley Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 or the Compassionate Care Hospice Fund, 1513 Cedar Cliff Drive, Suite 100, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

An online guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.