Shirley

Pettit

Shirley Mae (Laukhuf) Pettit died unexpectedly September 29, 2016 in Orlando, FL at the age of 81.

Shirley was born on December 8, 1934 in Paulding County, Ohio. She was a 1952 graduate of Payne High School and a 1956 graduate of Bowling Green University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. While at Bowling Green, she was a proud member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority and during that time was appointed ROTC Queen. Upon graduation, she relocated to Pennsylvania and then proceeded to Madison, WI where she pursued what would become her passion-her degree in Library Science. She completed this degree in Orlando, FL and then took a position with Orange County Schools as a librarian. After several years, she was promoted to Head Media Specialist for Orange County Public Schools. She worked for the school system until her retirement in the late 1990's.

She is survived by her sisters, Marilyn (Laukhuf) Dargatz of Springboro, Ohio, and Elaine (Laukhuf) Milan, of Milwaukee, WI; nieces, Gretchen Dargatz, Rebecca (Harmon) George, Emily (Dargatz) Greer and Carol Harmon; nephews, Curtis Harmon, Randall Harmon and Eric Dargatz; and many friends who were her surrogate family in Florida.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Oscar Laukhuf and Lucile (Guingrich Laukhuf Shealy, countless cousins and other relatives.

Those who knew Shirley best will remember her love of Disney, her pets, and her beloved Hummel and bear collections. She remained incredibly active throughout her adult life, serving in various capacities for the organizations which she loved: Alpha Xi Delta Alumni Association, Orange County Retired Educators Association, American Needlepoint Guild, Embroiderers' Guild of America, Delta Kappa Gamma International, and others.

She successfully overcame cancer this year and was deemed cancer free after treatments. Throughout her battle, she never lost her zest for life. Recently she had fallen several times, which set in motion the events leading to her passing. Her cremated remains will be buried in Paulding County, Ohio, next to her parents. Shirley was a great friend to all and never met a stranger.

A graveside service will be held in the Latty Apostolic Cemetery on November 12, 2016 at 3:00 PM.

Family suggests donations made to American Cancer Society; American Heart Association; or donor's choice.