Shirley Strickmaker

ATHENS—Shirley Evelyn DeBusk Strickmaker, 87, passed from this life on Friday October 16, 2015. Shirley was born on November 3, 1927 in Middlesboro, Kentucky to Dr. Lewis DeBusk and Lucile Walling. She was raised by her great-aunt in New Philadelphia, Ohio where she met the love of her life, Ray Strickmaker. Together they moved to Athens, Ohio in 1955 to start a new venture which became an iconic hangout, Rays Freez. For 40 years Shirley was considered “Queen of the Grill” and with her husband nurtured many young high school girls through life lessons. Shirley dearly loved her sons and their wives—Ron and Calista and Ray and Jenny all of Athens. She adored her five grandchildren, Kurtis (Ann Marie) of Nashville, Tennessee, Stacey of Athens, Erika (John) of Downers Grove, Illinois, Zach of Athens, and Annica of Athens. She cherished her six great-grandchildren, Owen, Colin, and Evelyn Jean of Nashville, Tennessee, Zoe and Lukas of Downers Grove, Illinois and Layla of Athens. She is also survived by her brother, Jack (Wanda) Wright of Johnson City, Tennessee, and special cousin Betty Ammiller of Cleveland, Ohio, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray in 1998, infant daughter, Anita Rae, and her sister, Elsie Mae Keffer. Shirley was very active in the community volunteering her time as a Deacon and President of the Presbyterian Women’s Association, First Presbyterian Church of Athens. She also volunteered for the Red Cross, Appalachian Visiting Nurses and Athens County Board of Elections. As a 54 year breast cancer survivor, she counseled area breast cancer patients. Shirley was also a member of Higley Book Club, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and Senior Beat. The family would like to thank all of mother’s friends who called on her; Amy, Lena, and Katrina of Interim Health Care and a special acknowledgement to Mary Slater for her unconditional care and support to Shirley and her family Services will be Monday, October 19 at the First Presbyterian Church at 11:00AM with Pastor Rob Martin officiating. Burial will be in Athens Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Athens, Ohio Health Hospice, or a charity of your choice. You may sign the online guestbook or leave a private message of sympathy for the family on our website, www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com. Parking will be available at the funeral home with transportation to the church starting at 10:00 AM.