Shirley M. Philo, 88, of Bowling Green, passed away peacefully and into the hands of our heavenly Father on May 8, 2025.
She was born on October 8, 1936, in Walbridge to Clarence and Estella (Cogle) Traver who preceded her in death. She married James “Jim” E. Philo on January 11, 1958, and he survives.
Shirley is also survived by her children, James “Jim” D. (Peggy) Philo and Jodee (Denny Laube) Philo; grandson, Travis J. (Carly) Philo; great-grandson, Jude Philo; sisters, Joanne Middaugh and Mary DeVaul.
Shirley was a long-time active member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Bowling Green. The greatest gift she gave her family was the gift of faith.
After graduating from Lake High School in 1954, Shirley worked at Brush Beryllium in Luckey and Elmore from 1955 to 1963. Always putting her family first and after taking time off to raise her children, she became an integral member of the Head Start, Journalism, and Psychology departments at BGSU from 1973 until 1993. Upon retiring, she loved taking care of her grandson who meant the world to her. As the years passed, their special bond became self-evident all while growing even stronger. She also looked forward to being with her friends and extended family. From the Panera Bread morning coffee friends to the Tuesday evening Bradner bar gang, the Friday night supper crew and her casual visits to Chowders ‘N Moor, it was always a joy to have Shirley in our company. All one needs to do is ask the waitstaffs because Shirley and Jim treated them as friends. Through the years, Shirley was the guiding light to bring her family together with fantastic holiday feasts and relaxing fun. Her four-legged family, while many through the years, were always treated as royalty.
An incredibly humble and sweet person, even through her extended illness, she always showed grace, never complained, and had a smile on her face. The last smile forever etched in our hearts is the one she wore as she met and held her great-grandson for the first time just days before her passing.
A visitation will be held on Thursday May 22, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church located at 315 S. College Drive, Bowling Green, Ohio. Pastor Robin Small will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.
To leave an online condolence or fond memory with the Philo family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
