Memorial trees planted for:

Shirley R. Galehouse

DOYLESTOWN – Shirley R. Galehouse, age 97, passed away on August 13, 2024. Shirley Rita Galehouse, age 97, passed away peacefully in her home in Doylestown. Preceded in death by her husband Jim Galehouse and sister Pauline Corrigan, she is survived by her sons, Dan (Donna) Galehouse and David Galehouse, and her daughters, Amy Galehouse, Carrie (Bill) Frey, and Martha (David) Ross.  She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Ben Galehouse, Jim Galehouse, Peter Galehouse, Abigail Frey Beach, Trevor Frey, Zachary Frey, and Willam Ross, and by 5 great-grandchildren, Victor, Penny, Carson, Brynn and Leo Galehouse.   Shirley was born on August 8, 1927, to George and Nelfina “Rita” Pernettas in Niagara Falls, New York.  After graduation from Niagara Falls high school, Shirley attended Bethany College in West Virgina for a year before joining her family who had moved to the Akron area.  Shirley completed her degree in business and languages at the University of Akron with a master’s in education.  She worked as an accountant at Long’s Furniture Store prior to her marriage. In later years she attended Hixon’s School of Floral Design. In August 1948, Shirley married Howard James “Jim” Galehouse and moved to Doylestown, where she lived for the rest of her life, only interrupted by trips overseas by her husband’s work for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.  The family spent 3 years in Sweden, 2 years in France, and 2 years in Italy. Shirley embraced each international move with enthusiasm and enjoyed planning trips around Europe, fulfilling her childhood dreams of travel. She always said that she expected to see the world, but she “never expected to do it with 5 children in tow.”  Shirley’s desire for travel also included multiple trips around the US, family outings to the Knox County Farm, and yearly vacations at Kentucky Lake with family and friends.  Shirley started a career in teaching when Hazel Harvey (yes, there was a person by that name) came to her during a time of teacher shortages and asked her if she would be willing to work.  As a result, Shirley taught at Doylestown High School for many years.  She originally taught business classes but switched to languages, French and Spanish After retiring from teaching she was elected to the Chippewa Local District Board of Education where she served in the 1970's.   When a group of volunteers decided that Doylestown should have an annual festival, but could not decide on a name, Shirley was the one who said, "why don't we call it the Rogue's Hollow Festival?”   And so a tradition began. After her teaching career, Shirley directed substantial energy to Galehouse Tree Farms, a business started by her father-in-law.   Together with her husband, the business grew with added acreage for trees sold for Christmas and landscaping.  With help from daughter Amy, she built the Tree House Gift Shop to sell Christmas decorations and décor which provided a warming fire, rocking chairs and refreshments for her customers. You would often find Shirley sweeping the floors listening in on customers who came to get their Christmas Tree. She was a member of the Ohio Christmas Tree Association since 1971. She ran the business with her daughter Amy until several years before her death. She always kept Christmas in her heart, always said it was for the ‘kids’. She will be missed by extended family, many friends and customers. Funeral service will be Monday, August 19, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Zak-Thacker & Monbarren Funeral Home, 132 N. Portage St., Doylestown, OH, 44230 with Pastor Carolyn Berry, officiating.  Burial will take place at Chestnut Hill Cemetery immediately after the service.   Calling hours will be on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Doylestown Food Cupboard, 153 Church St., Doylestown, OH, 44230.  The family would like to give a special thank you to the Visiting Angles for making Shirleys wish of staying at home possible over the last few years.    Online obituary and guest registry are available at www.zakmonbarrenfh.com (Zak-Thacker & Monbarren, 330-658-2211)

August 8, 1927 - August 13, 2024

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53 Trees have been planted in memory of Shirley Galehouse.

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Memorial Trees

Pam Smith Frazier

August 20, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Shirley R. Galehouse has been arranged by Pam Smith Frazier. Plant a tree

Amy and Family: I was so sorry to hear of your Moms passing. I learned so much from her French class. She opened up a new world for me. I am so grateful to her; she will be missed!

Elizabeth A Berry

August 17, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Shirley R. Galehouse has been arranged by Elizabeth A Berry. Plant a tree

In loving memory of our Aunt Shirley,
Anita, Beth, Don, Matt, and Andrea

Anita Frey, Jo-Ann Frey, Steven Pereira, Caitlin Pereira and Matthew Pereira

August 16, 2024

The planting of 50 memorial trees in the honor of Shirley R. Galehouse has been arranged by Anita Frey, Jo-Ann Frey, Steven Pereira, Caitlin Pereira and Matthew Pereira. Plant a tree

Let these trees be a reminder of the strong and loving person that Shirley was to her family and friends. She will be missed. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.

The staff at Zak-Thacker & Monbarren Funeral Home

August 15, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Shirley R. Galehouse has been arranged by The staff at Zak-Thacker & Monbarren Funeral Home. Plant a tree

We plant this tree as a living memorial to Shirley. We are deeply sorry for your loss.