ALTONA — Shirley C. Jarvis, 77, of Irona Road, Altona, passed away on Feb. 12, 2013, with her son, Randy, and her nieces, Joan and Mary Lou by her side. She was born on Jan. 21, 1936, in Altona, N.Y., to Frank and Anna (Langevin) Lashway. She married Homer Jarvis on Feb. 21, 1955, at Holy Angels Church in Altona.
Shirley is survived by her daughter, Tammy King of Altona; her sons, Jeffrey Jarvis and his companion Elaine Vanderstelt of Mooers Forks, Randy and Cindy Jarvis of Champlain, and Robin and Nicolle Jarvis of Altona; her grandchildren, Christopher Boutin, Nathan Boutin, Jared and Marisol Jarvis, Brittany and Nathan Faubert, Tyler Jarvis, Taylor Jarvis, Jessica King, Jamie Willette, Naman Vanderstelt; and her great-grandchildren, Mykaela Jarvis, Brysen Faubert, Hailey Boutin and Rayna Boutin. She is also survived by her sisters, Bernice Bushey and Geraldine Kimbler; and brothers, Maynard Lashway and Kenneth Lashway; her brother-in-law, Maynard Jarvis; and sister-in-law, Bertha Favreau; and by several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Homer Jarvis in August 2012; her son, Ricky Jarvis in November 2009; her son-in-law, Jim King in December 2012; her daughter-in-law, Ann Jarvis in November 1994; her sisters, Evelyn Riley, Irene Bushey, Lillian Lafountain, Mildred Dame; and her brothers, Bernard, Frank, Clarence, Harold, Amos, Leon, and Gerald Lashway.
Shirley enjoyed being a homemaker and especially enjoyed sewing, embroidering dresser scarves, and decorating for the holidays. She was an excellent cook. She loved to collect knick-knacks, a hobby that started when her husband was in the U.S. Army and would send her salt and pepper shakers from various areas. Visitors entering Shirley's house would often be greeted with the scent of something delicious cooking, and would leave having been fed and given a tour of an impressive knick-knack collection that extended through every room of her home.
Shirley babysat children from the Altona area in her home for over 35 years. She was a tough, firm, but loving caretaker and although the children she cared for are now grown, many of them still know her affectionately as "Nana." In retirement, Shirley and her husband took several road trips to visit relatives in Tennessee and New Hampshire. They went camping in their RV, visited casinos, enjoyed yard sales, and especially enjoyed looking after their grandchildren.
Shirley's deep and abiding faith in God helped her through many trials, especially her decade-long battle with cancer. She endured her treatments with a fierce determination and belief that God would see her through. Shirley now joins her husband, Homer, whom she loved completely and without reservation, in heaven.
The family wishes to thank everyone who cared for Shirley during her illness. Your kindness and companionship throughout her brave struggle is truly appreciated. You are angels.
Donations in Shirley's memory may be sent to Hospice of the North Country, 358 Tom Miller Road, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.
At Shirley's request, there will be no services. Entombment will take place at 12 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 14, at Whispering Maples Mausoleum in Ellenburg Depot. Arrangements are in the care of the Ross Funeral Home, 2586 Route 11, Mooers, NY, 12958. To offer an online condolence, please visit www.rossfuneralhomes.com
