Shirley A. Tinkham

Shirley A. Tinkham (Bircher), 60, of Millfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on December 7, 2024, after a courageous 2-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Born on April 22, 1964, in Columbus, Ohio and a 1982 graduate of Athens High School, Shirley was the beloved daughter of John and Carol Bircher of Millfield. She grew up with a kind heart, a loving spirit, and an unwavering dedication to her family.

Shirley found happiness in life’s simple pleasures and treasured the moments that brought her closer to nature and her loved ones. She enjoyed walking through the woods, observing wildlife, cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events, and enjoying the company of her family. Shirley was deeply committed to living a healthy and natural lifestyle. A significant part of her life was dedicated to helping run the family businesses, currently Tink's Auto Trading Post, where she took pride in contributing her time and support.

Shirley was a devoted wife to her husband of 42 years, Mike, and a loving mother to their three daughters: Rachel Cote (Billy), Jessica Shuler (Dave), and Kristi Felts (Vince). She was the proud grandmother of 10 grandchildren—Tyler, Lane, Kyle, Jacob, Braden, Arianna, Brooklyn, Matthew, Summer, and Wyatt—each of whom was deeply enriched by her love and care. Shirley shared a particularly close bond with her Aunt Debbie McCoy (Baum), who played a significant role in her upbringing and remained a source of love and support throughout her life. She also touched the hearts of many other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews leaving behind a legacy of cherished family connections.

She shared an unbreakable bond with her best friend, Lisa Meredith (Mark), whose friendship was a source of strength and joy throughout Shirley’s life.

Shirley was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ann Bircher (Oberkonz), Dale Baum, and Carl Bircher; her uncles, Ralph Bircher, Paul Bircher, Bob Oberkonz and Jim McCoy; her aunt, Janet McCoy (Baum); and her cousin, Larry Oberkonz. She will be remembered for her love, strength, and devotion to her family and friends. She was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, aunt, niece, and friend whose legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

No services will be held, instead, there will be a celebration of life for friends and family on December 29th, 2024 at the American Legion from 2-6pm, 520 West Union Street, Athens.

Shirley’s family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported and cared for her during her battle with cancer. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hughes Funeral Home where you may sign the online guestbook or leave the family a message of sympathy at www.ehwfh.com.