Shirley J. Bartlett

Shirley June Gilinsky Bartlett (nee Ferrera), the Mrs. Allen Bartlett of Grafton, Ohio, entered her eternal home on January 4, 2019 at the age of nearly 93.Shirley was born in Los Angeles, CA, to June Olga (Berlin) and Joseph John Ferrera, Sr.

After the untimely death of her biological father, and at the age of 5, her beloved stepfather, M.Sgt J.L. Gilinsky entered the picture; and she and her brother, J.J. Jr. became "Army Brats" attending school in TX, LA, and NH. She graduated in the latter state from Manchester Central HS.

In 1942, shortly after Pearl Harbor, she returned with her mother to New Orleans, LA, while her stepfather and brother were occupied with WWII. While attending Spencer Business College in New Orleans, she met her husband, Allen L. Bartlett, Sr., who was stationed there with the U.S. Maritime Service. At the end of WWII, the newly married couple moved to Grafton where they lived in one place - no more moving, for the rest of their lives.

Shirley was an active member of the Grafton United Methodist Church. She served as an EMT on the Volunteer Fire Department EMS, which was established by her husband, who also later served as Fire Chief.

She was preceded in death by her dearly missed husband, Allen; her brother, Joseph John Gilinsky; her parents, and her beloved step-father. During her last months, she resided at Keystone Pointe in LaGrange. She is survived by three adult children: Gayle, Deborah, and Allen, Jr., and their families with her 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.Grafton United Methodist Church 973 Mechanic St. will host a Celebration of Life Service on Sunday, March 31, at 3 pm. Visitation with family will be at 2 pm in the parlor. A private, grave-side gathering will be held at a previous date. Funeral arrangements made under the auspices of Duke Funeral Home 1021 Main St.  Grafton. Condolences may be left for the family, and more information can be found, at www.dukefuneralhome.com… In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Grafton UMC or the Grafton Volunteer Fire Department.

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