Shirley Regina Fugate

On Sunday, September 22, 2024, Shirley Fugate peacefully transitioned to her final resting place, surrounded by her daughters, son-in-law, youngest grandchild, and her younger sister. She now rests in eternal solace in the presence of her Creator and her one true love, her late husband.

Shirley was born in Hamilton on September 12, 1941, to Manuel and Anna (Cox) Fannin. She graduated from Fairfield City Schools in 1959 and was honored to be named Homecoming Queen. Shirley continued her education at Miami University, earning her Bachelor of Education.

On April 6, 1963, she married Thomas “Gene” Fugate in Hamilton, and together they shared a life filled with love, adventures, and joy. Shirley began her career in education at Hamilton City Schools and retired from Fairfield City Schools in 1992.

In her retirement, Shirley and Gene embraced the "snowbird" lifestyle, enjoying the warm Florida sunshine while indulging in their favorite pastimes of tennis and golf for over two decades. After Gene's passing in 2013, Shirley faced challenges but found happiness in attending her grandchildren's various sporting events and cherished moments spent playing pickleball and golf with family and friends and walking.

Shirley is survived by her two daughters, Lori (Jeff) Roberts and Jana (Joey) Lewis; four grandchildren, Emily and Eric Roberts, and Taylor and Jackson Lewis; two sisters, Barb Spradling and Brenda Southard, and sister-in-law, Loretta Fannin.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Thomas “Gene” Fugate, her sister Emma Joh Hazelwood (John Hazelwood), and two brothers, Manuel “Bub” Fannin and Stanley Fannin (Gail Fannin).  The family feels blessed to have had the best care possible for their mom from Jenna Combs, Teresa Melton, Tonya Oehler, and Lisa Taylor.

Shirley’s legacy of kindness and compassion will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Visitation will be from 11AM-1PM at Brown Dawson Flick Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Avenue, Hamilton, OH 45013, on Friday, October 4, 2024 .  The funeral service, officiated by her nephew, Casey Southard, will be immediately following at 1PM.  Burial will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park. In place of flowers, donations can be made to Compassion International or Samaritan’s Purse.