Two longtime residents of Grindstone, Pa passed away this last week.  Audrey Louise Shirley, 94, passed peacefully in the early morning of Wednesday, September 25, 2024, while her loving husband of 69 years, Oca O. Shirley, Jr., 98, followed her and passed peacefully in the morning of Sunday, September 29, 2024.  Both spent their final days in their home which they shared and loved.  Theirs was a love story that grew through all the years of their lives, enfolding family, friends, and even chance acquaintances into becoming part of the love and joy they shared with everyone. 

Audrey and Oca were both born in Duquesne, PA. Oca was the son of the late Minnie and Oca Ola Shirley, Sr.  He was born on June 19, 1926. He is survived by his sister Dorothy Shirley Bradich.  Audrey was born 4 years later, on March 6, 1930.  Audrey was the daughter of the late Florence Elizabeth & Howard E. Dixon.  Audrey was predeceased by her brother Howard George Dixon.

Oca and Audrey grew up together in the same apartment building on 1st street in Duquesne.  Oca’s sister, Dorothy, was Audrey’s best friend in childhood and remained so throughout their lives.  Years later he would reminisce how he often called one nitro and the other glycerin because whenever the two young girls got together he thought they were trouble.

During World War II, Oca served with the Merchant Marines and later during the Korean War, he served in the US Army.  He came home from the Army when his mother Minnie became ill and passed.  He then worked at the Fisher Body Plant in Dravosberg, PA for many years making car panels for General Motors until he retired in 1986.  Oca was also a member of the Grindstone American Legion Post 275 and supported several Veteran organizations over the years including the Disabled American Veterans.

During her younger years, Audrey worked at a steel mill in the bookkeeping department and was a key punch operator.  She had a passion for art and studied various art forms and painting techniques throughout her life.  One of Audrey’s greatest joys was finding the beauty in the world around her and painting it.  She was an accomplished artist.  Her paintings were featured in the now closed K-Mart in Belle Vernon.  She painted a wide variety of subjects--landscapes, flowers, birds, and buildings to name a few, using various mediums including oils, acrylics, and water colors.  She was a member of the Wild Rivers Art League for many years.  Audrey shared her art with many people, and donated paintings yearly to the Basket Auction held by the Fairview United Methodist Church each spring.  Her home has many of the paintings she created proudly displayed.

Oca and Audrey started dating after Oca came home from the Army.  Audrey would sometimes reminisce that when they first kissed; she had laughed and exclaimed “I can’t believe I’m kissing Dorothy’s Brother!”  After dating awhile they were uncertain if they were right for each other and parted ways.  But that didn’t last long.  Audrey was in a car accident and broke her pelvis.  Oca went to the hospital to visit her.  He walked into her room and saw her in the hospital bed, looked into her eyes, and he knew he couldn’t live without her.  He said “I’ll take care of you forever” and from that moment on he did.  Oca & Audrey were married on May 14, 1955. 

Although they had both grown up in the city, they decided to raise a family in a country setting and bought a farmhouse near Grindstone and moved there in 1960.  They raised their children:   Larry J Shirley of Brownsville, who is married to Sabina, Oca O Shirley III of Uniontown, who is married to Chris, and Florence Shirley.  They were beloved by all their many grandchildren and great grandchildren, their nieces and nephews, and other extended family.

Both Audrey and Oca were active Members of the Fairview United Methodist Church of Grindstone.  They were both members of the Church Choir for many years.  They also served the church in various roles and helped others through the church’s outreach program.  Their lives exemplified their values, their deep devotion to each other, their family, their friends and their community.  They greatly appreciated the shared fellowship they had with their extended church family.

Audrey & Oca considered themselves blessed to have lived such a long and happy life. Their home was filled with love and was a gathering place for family and friends. Their generosity and kindness touched many people over the years.  In the final years of their lives, their daughter moved in with them to ensure they could spend the remaining time in the home that they treasured.  They and the family are also grateful for the kindness of the Grindstone Lions Club and also the care given by the OSPTA Home & Hospice care nurses, and physical therapists.

In keeping with their generous nature, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, to remember Oca & Audrey through a charity or organization of one’s choice.

Audrey and Oca’s family will receive friends on Friday, October 4, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Blair Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 305 Rear Independence Street, Perryopolis, Pa where their funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday with Pastor Jack Washabaugh, officiating. Interment will take place at Bowman Flatwood Cemetery, Flatwoods followed by a reception at Fairview United Methodist Church, 630 Laureldale Road, Grindstone, Pa.

Full Military Rights and Honors will be accorded by the VFW Golds Star Post 7023. Perryopolis, Pa.